Playgrounds are a great place for the physical development of the children. However, the same areas can also be dangerous for kids.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 200,000 children visit the emergency room every year due to an injury sustained in a playground. Nearly 45 percent of the playground injuries are severe resulting in internal bleeding, fractures, dislocations, concussions, and amputations.
If your child has been seriously hurt while playing in the playground, you should consult with a personal injury attorney to know your legal options. An important question regarding playground-related accidents is who you can sue for playground-related injuries.
1. Playground Property Owners
Property owners have the legal duty of care to ensure that the children remain safe at the playground.
They need to make necessary repairs and remove dangerous conditions to ensure the safety of the children.
The property owners can be schools, hotel and mall owners, day care center and any other businesses that offer an area where children can play. If the owners are negligent in keeping the area safe, they can be sued for personal injuries sustained by a child.
2. Playground Equipment Makers
Manufacturers of playground equipment including swings and slides need to meet safety standards applicable in the state. Manufacturing defects, poor design, or lack of maintained guidelines can make the manufacturer liable in case of serious injuries at the playground.
3. Daycare and School Staff
Daycare and school staff has the responsibility to ensure that children remain safe in their custody. The legal terminology used for the unique responsibility of the staff is in loco parentis – in place of the parent. The staff can be held responsible for serious injuries that result due to not properly supervising children at the playground.
4. At-Fault Child’s Parents
Parents of a child who had caused injury of another child are made financially responsible in many states to compensate the victims’ parents for the losses. They have to pay for the medical treatment expenses incurred due to injury at the playground caused by the ward.
5. Dog Owners
Dog owners are also responsible in case the injury occurred due to an unprovoked dog attack. The dog owner will be responsible even if there was no previous history of aggressiveness by the pet.
All the above parties can be held liable for injuries sustained by a child in the playground. You can sue them in the local court to get compensation for the medical costs and emotional suffering due to the injuries. You should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to know your legal options in playground-related injury cases.
If your child suffers a playground injury due to the fault of someone else, you should know you have legal options. In this case, it is in your best interest to call us Maryam Parman is a personal injury lawyer and can help you.
