Playground Injuries

Despite facing the risk of serious injuries, children of all ages cannot resist climbing up a rope ladder, swinging from monkey bars, and venturing on to the many amenities that playgrounds have to offer. These colorful, interactive arenas provide sensory, motor and social interactions for children of all ages. They are often used for “mommy and me” play dates, recess time, and general family enjoyment. They can serve as a fun way for children to get exercise while building coordination and making new friends. Unfortunately, not all playground equipment is designed, installed and maintained in a safe way that minimizes the risk of injury to children.

Each year, nearly 14,000 children under the age of 14 are injured while playing on a playground and often these kids need to be taken to the hospital for emergency care. The location for most of these playground injuries are the traditional slides, see-saws and monkey bars. Injuries range from minor bumps and bruises to amputations and in the most severe of cases, wrongful death. More common serious injuries include bone fractures, joint dislocations, concussions and internal injuries. Defective product design, improper installation and poor maintenance are often the root cause of these injuries.

In order to prevent these injuries it is important to take precautions. Unfortunately, even the most cautious of parents may not understand or notice the presence of a product defect or danger that could cause a serious injury. Many times these injuries take place when the child is under the “watchful eye” of a babysitter or another adult and the negligent supervision of a child may give rise to a personal injury claim. The level of supervision necessary is dependent upon the age and development of the child but if a child is injured on a playground it can give rise to a claim for , improper installation, product defect, poor maintenance or negligent supervision.