Haunted Houses, Corn Mazes & Hayrides: Injury Claims at Fall Attractions

Fall Fun Can Turn Frightening

Autumn in Michigan brings a crisp chill, colorful leaves, and a calendar full of fall favorites. Families and friends flock to haunted houses, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and hayrides, eager for a mix of laughter and a few good scares. From local farms in Oakland County to elaborate haunted trails near Metro Detroit, these seasonal attractions are a cherished part of Michigan life.

But beneath the fun, spooky atmosphere, accidents can happen all too easily. Poorly lit pathways, unstable structures, and distracted or undertrained staff can transform a night of entertainment into a real-life nightmare. What starts as an innocent scare can end with serious injuries — from broken bones and concussions to burns and trauma.

When that happens, families often ask: Who is responsible?

Under Michigan law, the operators and owners of these fall attractions have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. That includes haunted houses, hayrides, and other seasonal amusement setups. If a guest is injured because of negligence — whether from a dangerous walkway, defective equipment, or reckless staff — the property owner may be held liable.

At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, our Berkley-based personal injury attorneys have spent more than 25 years protecting injured families throughout Michigan. We’ve seen how a moment of carelessness at an amusement attraction can change a life, and we fight to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

“Assumption of Risk” Myths – What the Law Really Says

Many attraction owners post signs warning guests to “Enter at Your Own Risk,” hoping to scare off not just ghosts — but lawsuits. However, this kind of disclaimer often creates more confusion than clarity.

Here’s the truth: under Michigan law, property owners and operators cannot waive responsibility for injuries caused by their own negligence. If someone is hurt because of a broken handrail, poor lighting, or reckless staff, the owner is still accountable — even if a warning sign was posted or a waiver was signed.

The concept of “assumption of risk” only applies in very narrow situations. It covers the expected, obvious thrills — like being startled by an actor or frightened by a loud noise. It does not protect a business from liability when:

• Walkways are uneven or unsafe.
• Safety procedures are ignored.
• Rides or props malfunction.
• Employees act recklessly or fail to supervise guests.

In short, visitors may expect to be scared — but they don’t agree to be injured. Fear is part of the attraction. Injury is not.

Operator Duties and Safety Obligations

Whether it’s a haunted house in Metro Detroit or a hayride in rural Michigan, attraction operators have a legal responsibility to keep guests safe. These businesses fall under Michigan’s premises liability and amusement safety laws, which require owners to maintain a reasonable standard of care for everyone who enters their property.

Under the law, operators must:

• Maintain safe structures and pathways – Haunted house floors, corn maze trails, and barn entrances must be stable, level, and free from known hazards.
• Inspect rides and equipment before use – Wagons, tractors, lighting systems, and special effects machinery should be inspected daily for defects or safety risks.
• Provide adequate lighting and warning signs – Dimly lit areas must be clearly marked, and potential hazards should have visible signage.
• Train staff to supervise crowds and respond to emergencies – Every employee should know how to handle injuries, evacuations, and large group control.
• Keep emergency medical plans and first aid accessible – Attractions must be prepared to respond quickly to injuries or medical emergencies on site.

Michigan’s Carnival-Amusement Safety Act (MCL 408.652 et seq.) also applies to certain fall attractions, including mechanical rides like hayrides, haunted wagons, or tractor-pulled events. This law mandates regular safety inspections, proper operator licensing, and strict adherence to state safety protocols.

When operators cut corners, injuries are almost inevitable. For example:

• A hayride may tip over because the wagon was overloaded or not properly balanced.
• A guest could trip over an exposed fog machine cord or be struck by a collapsing wall inside a haunted house.

In both cases, the attraction’s owners and staff may be held liable for failing to follow basic safety standards. The law does not allow thrill-seeking entertainment to come at the expense of public safety.

Signage, Disclaimers, and Liability Waivers

You’ve probably seen it before — a sign at the ticket booth reading “Enter at Your Own Risk” or a waiver form that guests must sign before entering. While these notices might look intimidating, they don’t provide absolute protection for the business.

Under Michigan law, a waiver cannot shield a company from gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety. If a business knew about a hazard and ignored it, that disclaimer holds little legal weight.

Even more importantly, minors cannot legally waive their rights in Michigan. That means parents cannot sign away a child’s right to pursue compensation for injuries caused by negligence. Regardless of any waiver, attraction owners still have a duty to keep the environment reasonably safe.

For a warning sign or waiver to hold any credibility, it must:

• Be clear, visible, and specific to the risks involved.
• Not attempt to create blanket immunity for all potential injuries.
• Accurately reflect the dangers of the activity.

A sign that simply says “We’re not responsible for any injuries” is not enforceable if the injury results from carelessness or unsafe conditions. The key takeaway: a waiver does not erase responsibility for negligence. Operators remain accountable for creating — and maintaining — a safe experience.

Child Supervision and Negligent Oversight Claims

Children are often the most excited participants at fall attractions — and the most vulnerable. Under Michigan law, property owners and attraction operators owe an even higher duty of care to protect minors from harm. This is especially true when the attraction involves darkness, noise, or unfamiliar environments like haunted barns and mazes.

Common examples of negligent supervision include:

• Inadequate supervision during hayrides or corn mazes, where children can fall, become lost, or be injured by farm machinery.
• Employees encouraging unsafe behavior, such as running, jumping, or intentionally frightening younger guests.
• Poor crowd control, leading to stampedes, trampling, or falls in tight spaces.

When operators fail to provide proper oversight or allow unsafe conduct, they can be held responsible for resulting injuries. Michigan courts recognize that children may not appreciate certain dangers, which means attraction staff must act with heightened caution.

Parents may also have separate claims for emotional distress or medical expenses resulting from their child’s injury. These cases often involve complex liability questions, making it vital to work with experienced attorneys who understand both premises liability and child injury law.

At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we’ve helped countless families recover after preventable accidents at Michigan amusement and seasonal attractions. We know how to uncover evidence, hold negligent operators accountable, and ensure that your family’s story is heard — with compassion, integrity, and skill.

Evidence to Save After an Attraction Injury

If you or a loved one are injured at a haunted house, corn maze, or hayride, what you do in the hours and days afterward can make all the difference. Many seasonal attractions are temporary — set up for only a few weekends — which means vital evidence can disappear overnight once the event ends or moves on.

To protect your rights and preserve your claim, it’s critical to act quickly and document everything. Here’s what to do:

• Take detailed photos or videos of the hazard that caused the injury — lighting, walkways, props, equipment, or signage. Capture the area from multiple angles and note visibility or weather conditions.
• Get contact information for witnesses, employees, and supervisors who were on duty. Their accounts may later confirm what happened and how the business handled the situation.
• Save all tickets, wristbands, waivers, or receipts — anything showing proof of purchase, date, and time of your visit. These items can establish that you were lawfully on the property.
• Seek medical attention right away. Even minor injuries like sprains or bruises can develop into long-term complications. Keep all medical records, doctor’s notes, and bills.
• Do not speak with insurance adjusters or sign any statements before consulting an attorney. Insurers often try to minimize or deny claims quickly — especially when dealing with seasonal businesses.

Remember: evidence is time-sensitive. Haunted houses take down props, mazes are plowed under, and hayrides move on to other towns. The sooner you contact an experienced Michigan amusement park injury lawyer, the better your chances of proving liability and recovering full compensation.

When Fall Fun Turns Into a Legal Nightmare

Haunted houses, corn mazes, and hayrides are meant to be thrilling — not dangerous. While fear is part of the fun, accidents caused by poor maintenance, reckless behavior, or unsafe setups are never acceptable.

Too often, victims are told that their injury was “just bad luck” or “part of the experience.” But Michigan law says otherwise. Property owners and attraction operators have a legal duty to protect guests from preventable harm. When they fail in that duty, they can — and should — be held accountable.

By understanding your rights, documenting evidence, and seeking legal guidance early, you help ensure that negligent businesses are held responsible — and that no one else has to experience the same trauma. Knowledge of your rights is the first step toward both accountability and prevention.

Contact Liss, Shapero & Mitnick Today

If you or your child suffered an injury at a haunted house, corn maze, hayride, or other Michigan fall attraction, don’t wait. Contact Liss, Shapero & Mitnick today. Our experienced attorneys will investigate your claim, handle the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation your family deserves.

📞 Contact Us:
Liss, Shapero & Mitnick
2695 Coolidge Highway
Berkley, MI 48072
Phone: 248-584-1300
Toll-Free: 1-855-LISS-LAW (547-7529)

‍