Navy Pier Ferris Wheel Injury Lawyer

What to Do if You Get Injured at the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel?

Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions, drawing in millions of visitors yearly with its restaurants, shops, boat tours, and most notably, the iconic Navy Pier Ferris Wheel (or Centennial Wheel as it’s more commonly known). The Centennial Wheel is almost 200 feet tall and offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.

Unfortunately, the combination of lots of visitors, mechanical operations, crowded walkways, etc., can be quite dangerous and if you or a loved one suffers an injury, it’s paramount to undertake all the necessary steps and be aware of your legal rights in order to secure the best chance of getting the compensation that you deserve.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our premises liability attorneys in Chicago have extensive experience and expertise in handling cases that involve accidents at public attractions and are ready to help you right away.

Recent Settlements We’ve Won

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ve successfully handled numerous settlements in premises liability cases involving unsafe conditions, inadequate maintenance, and negligence at various public venues, with some relevant examples being as follows.

• $3,000,000 for a slip and fall in a grocery store that resulted in traumatic brain injury, memory loss, and the need for extensive physical therapy. The settlement covered medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.
• $420,000 for a slip and fall at a Ford dealership resulting in a torn meniscus and herniated disc. The settlement covered medical costs, physical therapy, and other damages.
• $1,200,000 for a broken arm sustained at a large chain store due to unsafe premises. Compensation covered medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Common Types of Injuries and Accidents at the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel

But because of the high volume of visitors and the nature of the attraction, certain conditions can cause injuries. Here are the most common types.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

When hazards (e.g., spilled drinks from vendors, wet pavement, poor drainage, etc.) aren’t properly handled, visitors can slip and fall, which can end up getting fractures, sprains, spinal damage, or even a concussion.

There’s also the risk of uneven pavement, poorly marked steps, and other structural defects that can translate into trip-and-fall incidents, which can also result in serious injury.

Equipment Malfunctions

Mechanical failures or improper operation, such as loose bolts, faulty restraints, or sudden stops due to electrical failures, are potential hazards that can cause harm and significant injuries. Furthermore, when the staff neglects to conduct maintenance or thorough inspections, it can cause operational errors, which can result in harm.

Overcrowding and Trampling

Poor crowd management and inadequate security can cause trampling incidents or injuries related to pushing and shoving. Emergency exits may also become blocked or difficult to access, which makes evacuations risky.

Falling Objects

The Ferris wheel’s height makes it susceptible to falling objects, whether that’s debris blown by the wind, malfunctioning parts, or items the riders drop by accident. Injuries that falling objects cause range from minor bruises to serious head injuries.

Injuries Related to Food and Beverage

With so many vendors around Navy Pier, the risk of food poisoning, allergic reactions, and burns from hot beverages is always present. In addition to this, spills from drinks or dropped food can create dangerous walking conditions, especially in high-traffic areas near the Ferris wheel.

Food vendors must adhere to high hygiene standards and follow proper food handling procedures. When these standards aren’t met, visitors can suffer illnesses or injuries.

Inadequate Security

Because of the tremendous number of visiting tourists, Navy Pier (Centennial Wheel included) requires strict and effective security measures to enable and ensure safety for everyone.

The lack of security personnel, or insufficiently trained staff, might fail to detect and prevent altercations, theft, or any other violent incidents, meaning that visitors might suffer injury, harm, or material damage.

Steps to Take After an Injury at the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel

If you or someone you know is injured at the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, it’s extremely important to take the correct steps as soon as possible, since swift action can make a massive difference in your ability to secure compensation. Here’s what to do:

• First, notify the staff or security at Navy Pier as soon as the accident happens. Ask that the staff complete an incident report with detailed circumstances of your injury. Remember to get a copy of the report for your records and take the names and contact details of any staff members involved.
• Take photographs and videos of the area where the accident occurred, including any visible hazards that may have contributed to your injury. Capture the condition of the surrounding environment, like wet floors, uneven surfaces, broken railings, or malfunctioning equipment, and also, don’t forget to take pictures of your injury.
• If there were other people who witnessed your accident, ask for their contact information. Witnesses can provide valuable statements that support your version of events. Ask them if they’d be willing to provide written or recorded statements detailing what they saw. Securing more witnesses who tell the same story of the events they’ve seen can significantly impact your chances of success.
• Even if your injuries don’t seem serious, seek medical care as soon as possible, because there’s always the risk of internal injuries or another serious but immediately non-apparent condition. An evaluation by a medical professional will establish a link between the accident and your injuries, which will leave a paper trail that will be valuable evidence (medical records, bills, prescriptions, treatment plans/consultations related to the sustained injury) later down the line.
• Premises liability cases are usually complex, especially when you’re dealing with large public attractions like Navy Pier. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in handling cases involving unsafe premises. Your attorney will evaluate the case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and guide you through the legal process.

Filing a Personal Injury or Premises Liability Claim

If we’re filing a personal injury or premises liability claim against the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel, we must provide proof that the injury was caused by negligence. If the claim is successful, you might be eligible for compensation to cover things such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and property damage.

In the State of Illinois, it’s vital to act hastily because the two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury or premises liability claim. If the deadline is missed, your chances of winning would be greatly diminished.

Secure Expert Legal Counsel

Our attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have a proven track record of successfully handling any such premises liability cases and fighting for the injury victims’ rights and are readily available to discuss and handle your case, answer your questions, and provide the legal guidance you need throughout the claims process.

To reach our office from Navy Pier, simply take Lake Shore Drive north, use the Wacker Drive exit, and then follow Wacker Drive west to our office at 225 W Wacker Dr.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Law?

• Accomplished trial lawyers dedicated to securing the maximum possible compensation for our clients
• 450+ million USD recovered for injury victims
• No fees unless we win
• 24/7 availability

Call us at (888) 424-5757 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation with one of our Chicago personal injury lawyers.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.