While a playground is intended to provide a place of fun and recreation for children, it can also be a place filled with hazards involving defective playground equipment. Many parents whose children are hurt on playground equipment presume that accidents on jungle gym equipment are just part of growing up and that there is no basis for liability from the manufacturer. However, the manufacturer of playground equipment as well as public entities and private businesses that install such equipment have an obligation to protect children from the unreasonable risk of harm from defectively designed or manufactured playground equipment as well as such equipment that is negligently installed or maintained.
Injuries to children caused by defective, improperly installed, or poorly maintained playground equipment are more common than most parents realize. Approximately 32,000 pre-school and elementary school aged children per year are treated in emergency rooms for injuries suffered on playground equipment. More than two-thirds of these injuries result from the failure of the playground equipment or falls. These accidents may be caused from a wide range of causes including:
- Lack of soft material like wood chips of padding to protect children that fall
- Slick surfaces that result in slip and fall accidents
- Sharp edges or protruding bolts that can cause gashes
- Inadequate warnings
- Poorly constructed equipment that may break
If your child is injured while playing on a piece of playground equipment, your child may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer, distributor or supplier of the equipment based on product liability or the public or private property owner if the equipment is not properly put together or maintained.
Playground injuries can result in broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, lacerations and other serious injuries. These types of injuries may require surgery or other significant medical care. An experienced playground or swing set accident attorney at the Mississippi personal injury law firm of Barrett Law may be able to assist you in seeking compensation for your child’s injuries.
Evidence can be destroyed or altered and time limits apply for pursuing a claim. If the injuries occurred at a park or school playground owned by a public entity, you may have only a matter of months to file a claim so it is important to seek legal advice immediately. At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi. Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.