Tampa Family Awarded $8.15 Million in Busch Gardens Amusement Park Lawsuit
In a major legal victory, a Tampa family has been awarded over $8 million after their child suffered life-altering injuries at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The case, which was tried in Hillsborough County, is one of the most significant amusement park lawsuit cases in recent years and underscores the importance of park safety protocols.
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Incident Occurred During Howl-O-Scream Event
The accident took place in scary hours of September 2022 during the park’s annual Howl-O-Scream event. According to attorneys from the law firm Morgan & Morgan, the Stanleyville Theater—a normally restricted area—was left unlocked and unattended by park staff. The child, who was visiting the park with his family, entered the theater, accessed the stage, and began using an acrobatic trampoline unsupervised.
Tragically, the child fell from the trampoline and sustained serious internal injuries. These included lacerations to his chin, liver, and right kidney, ultimately resulting in the complete loss of kidney function.
Long-Term Medical Consequences of this accident
Attorneys John Morgan and Paul Fulmer stated, “A young child will now have to endure renal protective measures for the rest of his life, limiting his diet, physical activities, and medical treatments. This is a burden caused by negligence.”
The family pursued legal action, arguing that the theme park failed in its duty of care by not securing a hazardous area during a high-traffic special event.
Jury Verdict: $8.15 Million, Reduced Due to Comparative Fault
The amusement park lawsuit proceeded to trial in the 13th Judicial Circuit, where a jury returned a verdict of $8,154,350.75 in favor of the injured child. However, the jury reduced the final payout to $5.3 million because it found that the family bore 35% comparative fault in the incident, which.
Court records indicate that Busch Gardens had offered a pre-trial settlement of only $40,000, which the plaintiffs declined.
“This result reflects the jury’s recognition of the amusement park’s responsibility,” said attorney Paul Fulmer. “The initial offer was shockingly low considering the child’s permanent injuries and the negligence involved.”
What This Means for Other Victims of Theme Park Injuries
This case sets a precedent for other amusement park accident lawyer teams across the country. It shows that juries are willing to hold major theme parks accountable when negligence leads to serious harm. For families and individuals harmed in similar situations, this case reinforces the importance of hiring skilled legal representation.
If you, a friend, family member or loved one has been injured at a theme park, you may have grounds for an amusement park lawsuit. From faulty ride operations to unsafe premises, amusement park lawsuit cases vary widely—but they all require experienced legal counsel to navigate complex liability laws.
Need an Amusement Park Accident Lawyer?
When dealing with large corporations like Busch Gardens or other theme parks, having an experienced amusement park accident lawyer is essential. Law firms like Morgan & Morgan, who represented this family, specialize in high-stakes personal injury claims and have a track record of success.
If you’re searching for justice in the wake of a theme park injury, don’t settle for less than the compensation you deserve. Reach out to a qualified attorney who understands the complexities of theme park litigation.
Final Thoughts on this Amusement Park Accident
The outcome of this Busch Gardens case is a powerful reminder of the responsibilities that amusement parks have to protect their guests—especially children. While the financial compensation can’t undo the trauma and lifelong medical complications, it provides crucial support for the family and serves as a warning to other parks about the consequences of negligence.
For others facing similar circumstances, consulting a trusted amusement park accident lawyer could be the first step toward justice and accountability.
Why Choose Morgan & Morgan for Your Amusement Park Lawsuit
Morgan & Morgan is one of the most recognized and trusted personal injury law firms in the United States, with a strong presence in Florida and nationwide. With decades of experience handling amusement park lawsuit cases, their attorneys are known for taking on powerful corporations and securing significant verdicts and settlements for their clients.
In the Busch Gardens case, Morgan & Morgan’s legal team—attorneys Paul Fulmer, Grant Gillenwater, Bora Kayan, and Megan Tiralosi—demonstrated the firm’s unmatched ability to build a compelling case through evidence, expert testimony, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Their success in achieving a verdict of over $8.15 million proves the effectiveness of having a high-caliber legal team in your corner.
If you or someone you care about has been injured at a theme park due to negligence, unsafe conditions, or inadequate supervision, don’t hesitate to explore your legal options.
How to Contact Morgan & Morgan
Getting started with Morgan & Morgan ( America’s largest injury Law Firm) is simple. They offer free case evaluations, and you don’t pay unless they win your case. This means there’s no upfront cost—you can seek justice without financial risk.
To contact Morgan & Morgan:
Visit their website at:
Call their Tampa office directly at (813) 223-5505
Or fill out a free consultation form online to have someone from their team contact you
Their team will walk you through every step of the legal process—from evaluating your claim and gathering evidence to representing you in negotiations or in court.
Your Rights Matter – Don’t Settle for Less Money
Major amusement parks are equipped with legal teams focused on minimizing payouts and denying responsibility. But victims deserve a voice, especially when negligence causes devastating, lifelong injuries. Morgan & Morgan has the resources, reputation, and relentless dedication to ensure your story is heard and justice is served. This can include more money in your pocket or pocketbook as they say.
So whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a theme park injury or researching your rights after a recent accident, contacting a proven amusement park accident lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take.
When it comes to legal battles against large corporations, size and strength matter. That’s why Morgan & Morgan’s motto—”For The People”—continues to resonate with thousands of families across the country.