Liability in Playground Accidents

Playgrounds are known for having a variety of equipment on which children can entertain themselves. Swings, slides, monkey bars, and other apparatus all serve to increase social, physical, and emotional health in children. While playgrounds are fun meeting places for kids and parents alike, they also pose the risk of injury to children. If an injury occurs, the question often arises: who can you hold liable for the playground accident and injuries?

The answer to this question varies from situation to situation. For example, in some instances, a playground accident is simply that—an accident. Many types of equipment can be inherently dangerous, especially due to heights. If your child's hands simply slip off the monkey bars and they fall and break their arm, you may likely not be entitled to compensation for the injury. It is always worth discussing your case with a personal injury attorney, however, in case negligence can be identified.

 Negligence that causes playground injuries

If your child suffered injuries as a result of the negligence¹ of the park or school responsible for the playground, you may be able to hold them liable for your losses under the principles of premises liability law.² Some common examples of negligence that may lead to a legal claim include:

       ·         Having sharp edges, nails, or screws sticking out of slides or similar equipment

·         Having rusted out or weak chains on swings

·         Not installing proper ground coverings to protect children if they fall

·         Failing to properly inspect all equipment and make necessary repairs

·         Allowing any type of equipment to deteriorate

·         Failure to adequately supervise children when there is a duty to do so (for teachers, day care providers, counselors, and similar authority figures)

Contact a qualified St. Louis personal injury lawyer to discuss your case

If your child has sustained a serious injury on a playground due to a dangerous condition, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Bruning Legal in St. Louis can help you. We can evaluate your situation, advise you of your legal options and rights, and help you obtain the recovery you deserve from the responsible party. Call our office for a free consultation at 314-898-3078 as soon as possible.

^{1https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence}  

^{_{2https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premises_liability}}