DANGER AT NATIONAL PARKS

Millions of people visit America’s national parks each year, exploring the stunning terrain and breathtaking wildlife. Unfortunately, some of those parks can be more dangerous than others.

According to the most recent data released by the National Park Service, over 2,000 visitors died in national parks between 2014 and 2021. According to the most recent data released by the National Park Service, over 2,000 visitors died in national parks between 2014 and 2021. Despite the proximity to wildlife and overall freedom to traverse sometimes dangerous terrains, the leading cause of death – with the exception of fatalities deemed “undetermined” – was motor vehicle crashes, which accounted for 415 deaths over eight years. Following crashes were drownings (402) and medical-related deaths (385).

The number of car accidents may seem fairly high, but it makes sense, given the rural and scenic nature of most of these sites. Rural locations may empower drivers to exhibit more reckless habits with driving, such as not wearing seatbelts, speeding, distracted driving, and even driving under the influence. Further, scenic national parks usually have twisting, winding roads through mountains that can be difficult to navigate even for the most competent drivers. The potential for a crash into a tree or another vehicle – or even to careen off the road – is very real.

THE COUNTRY’S MOST DANGEROUS PARKS

Topping out the list of most dangerous National Parks is Lake Mead National Recreation Area at 145, where the single most common cause of death was drowning. Of the 385 drownings reported in national parks between 2014 and 2021, 47 happened at Lake Mead, the most of any park. The second most deadly national park was Grand Canyon National Park, which reported nearly 100 deaths over the eight-year period. Though it’s known for its panoramic cliff edges overlooking steep canyon walls, falls were not the leading cause of death in the frequently visited park. Instead, nearly half of the deaths at the Grand Canyon were listed as medically related. Some of those deaths are likely caused by the heat hikers experience in the park. Officials often warn hikers to stay hydrated, rest in the shade, and hike during the cooler parts of the day.

DEMOGRAPHIC MOST AT RISK

People of all ages and all walks of life visit our nation’s national parks. Yet men make up a disproportionate number of national park deaths, accounting for 81 percent of total fatalities.

However, deaths are relatively evenly distributed among adult age ranges, with adults age 55 – 64 leading the way at 19 percent. Thankfully, children make up a very small portion of fatalities, with 35 deaths among children age 14 and under (2 percent).

NATIONAL PARKS IN GEORGIA

The state of Georgia is home to more than a dozen different national park units, including National Historic Parks and Trails, National Monuments, National Recreation Areas, and more. 

While a few parks are in South Georgia and along the coast, most are located around Atlanta and in North Georgia. According to National Park Service statistics, nearly seven and a half million people visit the 11 parks in Georgia each year, including historic sites, scenic trails, heritage and recreation areas, seashores, and military parks.

LIABILITY FOR INJURIES IN NATIONAL PARKS

The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is a federal law that was introduced in 1946 and waives sovereign immunity. It provides a legal path for individuals who have suffered injury, death, or property damage caused by the negligence of the federal government to seek compensation. So if you are injured in a national park due to a negligent act by a government employee, you may be able to file a claim. To successfully sue a national park under the FTCA, you must prove that the government employee was negligent in their actions. Negligence is defined as the failure to take reasonable actions to prevent harm to others. Examples of negligence in a national park could include:

• Failure to maintain safe hiking trails
• Failure to provide adequate warning of potential hazards
• Failure to properly maintain facilities such as campgrounds or picnic areas

You must file your initial administrative claim within two years of your injury, after which the government agency has six months to respond. If the agency rejects your claim, you then only have six months to file a lawsuit in federal court.

CONTACT YOUR ATTORNEY

If you were injured while visiting a national park, you should reach out to a personal injury lawyer right away. Filing an FTCA claim is a complicated process, and you must follow the required procedure exactly to avoid your case being thrown out. Working with a skilled, experienced lawyer can help you put your best foot forward and increases your likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Contact Dave Thomas at The Thomas Law Firm for a free evaluation of your legal rights.