Playgrounds are supposed to be fun areas for children in California, where relaxation and time away from home is key. However, just as in many areas, danger lurks around the corner in many playgrounds. According to statistics provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 200,000 children go to emergency rooms every year due to playground injuries.
At Maison Law, we offer representation to victims of playground accidents in California. We will stand by you and your family’s side after your child has been injured in an accident that was not their fault. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a no-obligation case consultation.
Injuries Common to Children on Playgrounds
A child expects to utilize a playground without incident but even the simplest mistake can lead to a serious accident. For instance, a child could easily slip on a piece of equipment or could be whacked by a falling object in the blink of an eye. Some of the injuries that children commonly sustain on playgrounds every year include the following:
- Broken bones
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Dislocations
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
- Paralysis
The injuries that children sustain in playground accidents can range anywhere from minor to severe and life-long. On top of the physical trauma that a child sustains, these injuries can also be expensive for families.
Causes of Playground Accidents Involving Children
There are many types of factors that can contribute to playground accidents involving children each year in California. These dangerous accidents result from some of the following:
Poor Equipment Maintenance: Not all playgrounds are going to be brand new. This means that, over the years, playground equipment will start to deteriorate. You will see that some metal equipment starts to rust and bolts come loose. Wood begins to rot on other equipment, becoming frail and warping with use. Playgrounds are supposed to be inspected and maintained by property owners but sometimes this doesn’t occur, leading to serious accidents.
Improper Equipment Design: Playground equipment is not always designed properly. An example of this is having a high platform with no soft place for a child to land if they were to fall. Proper and safe designs are key to overall playground safety.
Lack of Supervision: Children should always be supervised when they are playing on a playground, as they do not always fully understand the risks that come with playgrounds. An adult should always be nearby to supervise children based on their age or the level of risk associated with the activities that they are engaged in.
Liability in Playground-Related Accidents
Determining liability is a crucial aspect of playground injury claims, as it can help you move forward with a claim against an at-fault party. There are several questions that you may need to ask, such as who owns the playground? Who designed or built the playground? Who was supposed to be supervising the child at the time?
A few parties who could be liable for your child’s playground injury include:
- A local municipality that owns a public park
- Public school districts
- Not-for-profit entities such as private schools or churches
- Construction companies
- Playground designers
- Individuals who were supposed to supervise your child
It can be difficult to prove liability in playground accidents, especially if a government entity is involved. You may deal with big-name insurance companies and low settlement offers, which is why it is crucial that you have the help of a skilled legal advocate on your side during these difficult times.
Can I File a Claim on Behalf of My Child in California?
In California, children who are under the age of 18 are unable to file a lawsuit without parental consent. This means that a parent or guardian of a child is only able to file a claim on the child’s behalf after they have been injured.
Some of the available damages a child could receive in a claim include:
- Medical expenses
- Therapy or rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Lost earning capacity in the future
Contact a California Child Injury Lawyer Today
Nothing compares to the stress that you feel when your child has been injured due to a preventable accident. We believe that all playgrounds will be safe for our children but this is not always the case and severe accidents can take place in the blink of an eye.
After your child has suffered due to a playground accident, you may be feeling alone and confused concerning your next steps. Our attorneys at Maison Law are here to discuss your claim with you and protect your child’s interests along the way. We want to hold liable parties fully responsible for the harm that they have caused your child. Please contact us for a free consultation so that our California child injury lawyers can get started on your case today.
