Three People Injured On Disneyland’s Main Street After Light Pole Fell Over

Multiple Injuries Reported Following Freak Accident After Strong Winds Knocked Down Light Pole on Disneyland’s Main Street In Anaheim

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA (November 20, 2023) – Three Disneyland guests were injured in an accident after they were hit by a falling light pole on Disneyland’s Main Street.

Orange County officials are saying that the accident took place around 8:30 a.m. on Monday. Strong winds reportedly knocked down a light pole which hit three people.

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victims. All of those injured are believed to be guests visiting the park.

Two people were treated at the scene for minor injuries. A third person was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

This is not the first time that a light pole has fallen over at a Disney property. In November of 2022, a light polled snapped at Disney World and narrowly missed a group of visitors.

A full investigation into the accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Accidents At Disneyland

Accidents at amusement parks may seem like freak occurrences, but they are actually quite common. According to USA Today, “There were an estimated 130 serious ride-related injuries at North American theme parks in 2021, according to the National Safety Council’s latest ride safety report for IAAPA. Those include fatalities as well as injuries requiring immediate hospitalization for more than 24 hours for reasons beyond observation.” There are a number of steps that amusement parks should take in order to prevent guests from being injured.

• Amusement park employees should conduct regular inspections and maintenance on rides, attractions and facilities.
• Amusement park employees should be properly trained with respect to safety procedures.
• Amusement parks should receive regular health and safety audits.
• Amusement park employees should monitor guests and ensure park rules are being followed.

Depending on the facts of any case, an amusement park like Disneyland could face civil liability if a guest is injured on their premises. Pursuant to California Civil Code 1714, “Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon himself or herself.” When a property owner has actual or constructive notice that their property is in a dangerous condition, they must take action.

Property owners must conduct regular inspections of their premises. This includes inspecting natural elements within a property such as trees which could fall over. It also includes inspecting light poles and other semi-fixed structures. Utility poles are susceptible to weather, corrosion and neglect. In particular, the bolts that hold down light poles can wear out over time which could lead to a catastrophic failure. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any light pole accident.

• The condition of any light pole prior to an accident should be understood.
• Photos of the light pole after it fell should be taken.
• Maintenance logs for all light poles in the park should be reviewed.
• Medical records related to the accident should be preserved.

Amusement parks are often quick to blame accidents on external factors such as the weather. But this can be highly misleading. Weather conditions are just one factor that may have contributed to an accident. However, weather conditions do not absolve park owners of properly maintaining light poles and other fixtures. Any person that is injured in an accident at Disneyland may have legal recourse through a personal injury claim. A personal injury attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Getting Legal Help After Disneyland Accidents

We at Samer Habbas & Associates extend our best wishes to the three people injured in this accident on Disneyland’s Main Street. It is our sincere hope that they are able to make a full recovery. There are so many questions that still need to be answered. When was the last time this light pole was inspected? Was the light pole in a defective condition? Were the bolts holding down the light pole rusted or worn down? Were the bolts properly installed in the first place?

Have you or someone that you care about been injured at Disneyland? There are a number of laws designed to help you. Our team of Orange County theme park accident attorneys are here to help in any way that you need. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or are thinking about hiring an attorney we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 951-210-7841.