The Downtown Aquarium features an eclectic mix of educational exhibits, games, rides, and dining that makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Houston, Texas. This family-favorite attraction sprawls over six acres, includes a full-service restaurant and upscale bar, and offers over 300 species of aquatic life.
Despite the possibility of fun, a day at the aquarium could result in a serious injury to you or a family member. If you are hurt while visiting the Downtown Aquarium, it is crucial to understand what you can do to protect your legal rights.
Common Causes of Aquarium Injuries
A Harris County jury awarded a 76-year-old woman $2.825 million in 2024 after her ankle got caught in a trench near a rowboat in a dark section of the aquarium in 2018. Because the aquarium readily admitted fault in the case, the trial only involved the amount of damages to be awarded. Attorneys on the case found previous instances involving other patrons who had been hurt at the aquarium and notified them of the trench.
In 2022, news outlets reported that a woman was injured at a Downtown Aquarium restaurant after part of the roof collapsed on her. Witnesses said the woman had blood coming down her arms and appeared to be in a lot of pain. The restaurant owner said they were “not exactly sure” what happened, but they cleaned the area and quickly reopened the aquarium for visitors the next day.
These previous incidences of negligence are concerning.
Common causes of injuries at aquariums include:
- Slips and falls
- Drowning
- Animal attacks
- Negligent security
- Food poisoning
- Defective products
It may be necessary to conduct an investigation into the cause of the accident to determine whether the aquarium is responsible for your injuries.
Steps To Take After Suffering an Injury At the Downtown Aquarium
If you were injured at the Downtown Aquarium, these steps can help you protect your legal right to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering:
Report the Accident
Report the accident immediately to management. You may be asked to provide a written report of the incident. If so, stick to the facts and avoid theorizing about how the accident happened. Ask for a copy of your accident report.
Seek Medical Attention
The most important priority is your health. Seek immediate medical attention. The aquarium may offer to have an ambulance transport you to the nearest emergency room. Accept the offer. Keep all of your medical records and bills. Follow your doctor’s orders.
Document the Incident
You can take steps immediately after the accident to preserve your right to compensation. These steps are important because the scene may be quickly cleaned up so the aquarium can limit its liability.
Do the following to document the incident:
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact information.
- Make a mental or written note of any nearby surveillance cameras that may show the accident happening.
- Take pictures of the accident scene and the conditions that contributed to it.
- Keep the clothes and shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident.
Your lawyer can follow up with a more detailed investigation, but this immediate evidence can build a strong foundation for your legal claim.
Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer For Help If You Were Hurt At the Downtown Aquarium
If you were hurt at the Downtown Aquarium in Texas, you may have the right to compensation for the damages you suffered.
For more information, please contact our Undefeated premises liability attorneys in Texas at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours