When you believe you’ve been injured at a haunted house attraction, it can feel surreal, and you might question whether you have any rights. To a Raleigh, NC personal injury lawyer, it is not enough to shrug off injuries as “just part of the fun.” We often see clients dismissing pain or shaking off an incident, only to later regret that inaction. As a firm, we stand ready to advocate on behalf of those harmed by negligence, even in the most unexpected settings.
When Haunt Attractions Owe You A Duty
Just because an event is intended to startle you does not mean liability is off the table. Haunted houses typically still owe invitees a duty of care: ensuring walkways are safe, props and structures are stable, staff are trained, and foreseeable risks are addressed. If a guest is injured due to a hazard, say a loose board, exposed wiring, or improper lighting, the attraction may be liable, whether under premises liability, negligence, or failure to warn theories. No matter what kind of event it is, or what kind of facility you are in, the first step to evaluating your case is understanding liability and negligence.
Challenges Unique To Haunted Attraction Cases
- By employing the “assumption of risk” defense, some venues might argue you assumed the risk by attending, especially in horror-themed settings. We work to counter overreaching assumptions of risk defenses by showing that your injuries sprang from hazards beyond what a reasonable person would expect.
- Visibility issues or hazardous lighting in a room are especially common in scare attraction settings. Therefore, owners must anticipate dark corridors and ensure emergency lighting or signage. If lighting design impedes safe navigation, that can support a breach.
- When dealing with hidden hazards such as unstable flooring, wiring, or structural elements concealed behind mock walls, finding the exact source of contributing negligence or liable parties can be complex. However, if a prop collapses or causes tripping, that may demonstrate poor design or maintenance, which can support your case.
- Defendants might argue you were startled or distracted by actors or effects. Our approach is to document the hazardous condition clearly and link it directly to your fall or injury.
When You Should Act Promptly
Statutes of limitations apply in NC, so delaying too long can bar your case. You should:
- Seek medical attention immediately and document injuries.
- Photograph or record the hazard if safe to do so.
- Report the incident to staff and obtain a written incident report.
- Preserve your ticket, receipt, and any promotional materials.
- Avoid giving recorded statements before consulting us.
Real Results From Our Team
Following our guidance, Burton Law Firm served as litigation and trial counsel in a personal injury case that resulted in a jury awarding $500,000 to the plaintiff. In a separate matter, we were retained by a Raleigh, North Carolina man and secured a $100,000 settlement in his injury claim. Both outcomes reflect our willingness to take difficult cases to trial when necessary and to advocate vigorously for fair compensation.
How We Help You Take The Next Step
When you come to us with a haunted house injury, we conduct a full investigation: reviewing maintenance logs, interviewing staff and witnesses, assessing design plans, and consulting with engineers or safety specialists if needed. We walk you through your legal rights, project realistic recovery ranges, handle communication with insurers, and advise whether to settle or litigate.
You shouldn’t have to bear the costs of someone else’s oversight, whether in daylight or the darkest frights. Burton Law Firm puts our experience to work for you when you need a personal injury lawyer in Raleigh, NC. Contact us today if you or a loved one has been injured.