Many people enjoy visiting haunted houses during the Halloween season. According to the Haunted House Association, Halloween is one of the fastest growing commercial industries in America, with more than 2,000 haunted attractions operating each year. However, while haunted houses provide entertainment for thrill-seekers and Halloween enthusiasts, they also present some unique hazards for workers, also referred to as actors.
Haunted house patrons who are startled may react by punching, kicking or biting the workers. According to a professional trainer of haunted house actors, the most common customer-inflicted injury is a broken nose. Other common injuries suffered by haunted house workers include:
- Chemical exposure – Artificial fog is created by machines that use chemicals. Although generally non-hazardous, sometimes exposure to theatrical fog without ventilation can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, fog machines get extremely hot and may cause fire or electrocution if not handled properly.
- Struck by falling object – Haunted houses are full of props. Sometimes, these props can get knocked over by patrons, injuring nearby workers. Children may also grab props and inadvertently knock them over, causing injury to themselves, other patrons or workers.
- Lacerations and bruising – Haunted house attractions may change or be removed. Sometimes, exposed screws are left behind, causing workers to suffer lacerations. Mannequins with sharp edges may also cause bruising injuries to patrons or workers.
- Slips, trips and falls – Lighting is typically dim inside haunted houses, making it difficult for people to see where they are going. Patrons or workers may slip, trip or fall due to inadequate lighting, uneven floors, slippery substances, debris or exposed electrical cords. Moving trams used for transporting patrons also pose a risk of injury.
Compensation for Injured Haunted House Workers
In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation is available for full-time, part-time and seasonal employees. Therefore, haunted house workers are usually covered by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act). Under the Act, employees who are injured at work or contract a work-related illness may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, disability and vocational rehabilitation.
The Act does not cover independent contractors, who are typically free from the direction and control of their employers and provide their own equipment to perform their job duties. However, independent contractors as well as employees may be able to file a third-party personal injury claim if someone other than their employer caused their injuries, either negligently or intentionally. This type of claim may provide additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress and other damages.
Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. Represent Injured Haunted House Workers
If you sustained injuries while working in a haunted house, contact a skilled Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. We can help ensure that your rights are protected, and you receive the compensation to which you are entitled. For a free consultation, call us at 888-PITT-LAW or complete our online contact form.
We are proud to represent injured workers in Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County and throughout Pennsylvania, including those in Abington, Ambler, Ardmore, Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, Clifton Heights, Crum Lynne, Darby, Downingtown, Doylestown, Drexel Hill, Essington, Folcroft, Glenolden, Haverford, Havertown, Holmes, Kutztown, Lansdowne, Media, Merion Station, Morton, Narberth, Norristown, Norwood, Philadelphia, Prospect Park, Quakertown, Reading, Roxborough, Sharon Hill, Upper Darby, West Chester, and Wynnewood.
