Warning signs can save people’s lives– that is, if people can read them.
Recently, a 38-year-old Guatemalan man suffered cardiac arrest after finishing a ride at a Florida theme park. While the man had a history of heart issues, he was unable to read the sign that warned visitors of potential health hazards for people with his condition. Tragically, the man collapsed minutes after the ride ended and died later that day.
Following the tragic event, the man’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the theme park. The lawsuit claims the resort was negligent in its failure to “display warning signs in Spanish.” Under the law, a party is negligent if it fails to exercise reasonable care.
Not only are almost 25 percent of Florida resident’s native Spanish speakers and frequent visitors of the theme park, but at least 70 million tourists visited Orlando last year. USA Today reports that at least 6 million of these people were from foreign countries.
While the theme park provides drawings to accompany the English warning signs, the recent tragedy shows they might not be enough. If a court determines that the theme park could have reasonably avoided this situation by providing warning signs in multiple languages, it could provide precedent for tourist destinations across the United States.
Wrongful deaths are devastating, especially when they could have been easily prevented. If you believe your loved one’s death was the result of someone else’s negligence, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney today to determine if you can file a lawsuit and fight for the justice you deserve.
