Many residents and tourists choose the adrenaline-pumping excitement of ziplining to enjoy Hawaii’s beauty. Unfortunately, this popular recreational activity in Maui also presents safety concerns and the risk of sustaining severe or fatal injuries.
Zipline accidents in Hawaii often require financially draining medical treatments and extended recovery periods, not to mention the mental and emotional trauma they cause. If you sustained injuries in a zipline accident, the Honolulu personal injury lawyers at Recovery Law Center can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
What Can Cause Zipline Accidents in Hawaii?
Ziplines are suspended cables supported by multiple structures, such as trees or poles. Riders use a harness attached to a pulley that allows them to travel down the cable. Heights range from around 35 feet to approximately 150 feet or more, although a few lines are over 650 feet high. Zipline lengths vary, and speeds can reach about 60 mph.
Riders wear helmets and gloves provided by zipline companies. However, they offer little protection if someone falls.
Maui ziplining accidents can happen for many reasons, including:
- Improper maintenance
- Equipment failure
- Defective zipline course design or construction
- Infrequent or insufficient inspections of platforms and cables
- Poorly trained or inexperienced operators or guides
Riders may fall, collide with trees or towers, or become entangled. Improper braking can cause hand injuries.
Operator errors can cause zipline accidents in Hawaii as well. Some of the most common mistakes are:
- Failing to check that attachments and harnesses are safe and secure
- Improperly resetting brakes
- Releasing a rider before the previous rider is clear
- Poor communication between operators
Riders aren’t the only ones who can sustain injuries. Ziplining in Hawaii has led to operator injuries and deaths.
Does Hawaii Regulate Ziplining?
The first commercial zipline in the U.S. opened on Maui in 2002. Initially, the state did not regulate zipline operations. However, many people pushed for safety standards and regulations after a series of fatal accidents in Hawaii. Senate Bill No. 2433 proposed zipline regulations, but a report submitted to Hawaii’s governor and state legislature in 2012 recommended against enacting the bill as proposed.
In 2021, the Council of the County of Maui passed ordinances to regulate commercial zipline operations. Companies that wish to operate ziplines in Maui County must obtain a conditional permit and meet state statutes. In addition, they must follow several rules:
- Ziplines can only operate between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- During business hours, no one can consume intoxicating substances.
- The zipline conditional permit holder cannot simultaneously have a liquor license.
- Commercial zipline operators must enlist a qualified inspector to inspect their facilities and equipment every two years.
- Zipline operators must keep certain records and submit them to the council or director if asked:
- Proof of insurance that complies with conditional permit requirements
- Engineering reports documenting equipment and operation safety
- Inspection reports
- Maintenance records
- Signed participant waivers acknowledging the risks of ziplining and the rules of conduct
These regulations attempt to reduce the number of zipline accidents in Hawaii.
Do Hawaii Commercial Ziplines Have Their Own Safety Regulations?
Zipline companies on Maui and the other Hawaiian Islands each have safety regulations to protect their customers and employees. These include:
- Minimum age requirements
- Minimum and maximum weights allowed
- Required types of clothing and footwear
Pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions cannot ride ziplines. Some children may have to ride ziplines with an adult.
What Injuries Can Maui Ziplining Accidents Produce?
Falls from zipline cables or platforms are often fatal. If fallen riders survive, they will likely sustain severe injuries with lifelong consequences.
Collisions with other riders, platforms or supports can also produce injuries:
- Bruises, sprains, strains or other soft tissue damage
- Fractures and broken bones
- Head injuries and traumatic brain damage
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
- Paralysis
Those injured and qualifying survivors of those who lose their lives in fatal zipline accidents in Hawaii deserve compensation for their damages if negligence caused the accident.
Who Is Liable for Paying Damages?
Although zipline riders must sign waivers, these documents don’t necessarily prevent them from seeking compensation if an accident occurs. Your attorney from Recovery Law Center will investigate the cause of your accident and gather evidence to hold all liable parties accountable. Potentially at-fault parties include:
- Zipline companies
- Zipline employees
- Course and equipment designers
- Maintenance companies and inspectors
- Equipment or component manufacturers
If improper training, failure to adhere to safety regulations and inspections, design flaws, faulty equipment or intentional acts lead to a zipline accident, you can likely seek compensation for your injuries and how they affect your life. When you request a free consultation from Recovery Law Center, we will assess your case and determine its validity.
What Damages Can You Obtain?
Zipline accidents in Hawaii can lead to astronomical medical bills, extended time away from work and other adverse consequences. You may qualify to seek compensation for a variety of damages, such as:
- Current and future medical treatments and related expenses
- Present and future lost wages
- Emotional, mental and physical pain and suffering
- Personal property damage
- Losing your ability to enjoy life
If you are a qualifying survivor of someone who experienced a fatal zipline accident, you may obtain compensation for funeral expenses, medical expenses incurred after the accident and other damages associated with wrongful death claims.
How Can Recovery Law Center Help After Zipline Accidents in Hawaii?
Award-winning Recovery Law Center has helped those injured in Hawaii for over 25 years, establishing an impressive track record of winning compensation for our clients. We focus on personal injury law, so we know how to win zipline accident cases. We use our knowledge and experience to work in the best interests of each of our clients, and we will give you the personal attention and respect that you deserve.
If you sustained injuries or a loved one lost their life in a zipline accident in Hawaii, contact Recovery Law Center today to see how we can help. Someone can speak to you 24/7. Call us, use live chat or submit our online contact request form. We can translate several languages.
