In a perfect world, a parent would be able to trust that the playgrounds available to their children were safe environments. In a perfect world, a parent could relax and watch their child enjoy themselves without worry. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case: Each year in the United States, more than 200,000 kids end up in the emergency room after being injured on a playground.
It’s true that some of these injuries are the result of the child misusing the equipment, or the result of parents not supervising their children. However, it’s also partially due to playground equipment that’s hazardous, defective, or otherwise not safe.
If your child suffered an injury while on a playground then you may have a premises liability case against the owner or overseer of the property. Read on to learn more about these accidents and then reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free case evaluation. We can help you understand your rights and your options. Today is the day to call.
The statistics on playground injuries may surprise you
The Center for Disease Control has issued some stats on playground injuries and they can be shocking. Three out of every four playground injuries happens while the child is in daycare or at school. The most common age for a child who gets injured on a playground is between five and nine. The most common type of equipment that children get injured on is anything that’s made to be climbed on.
Who is responsible for keeping playgrounds safe?
According to both federal and California state laws, it’s up to the property owner – even if that’s a local government entity – to ensure that he playground is maintained and safe for typical, everyday use. If it turns out that a property owner hasn’t kept it safe, then they may be negligent and responsible for compensation the parents of any child who is injured as a result.
Playground equipment must meet a number of safety requirements
The owner of a property that includes a playground is responsible for ensuring that said playground equipment meets certain standards. For example, there should be cushioned ground surface for at least six feet past each piece of equipment, and swings and slides require an even larger amount of cushioned ground.
Equipment that has moving parts must be in a separate area and it must be inspected and cleared for not having pinch points that can hurt a child’s hand and / or fingers. Equipment made out of wood must be inspected to ensure it’s not cracked or splintered, and metal equipment needs to be free of rust. Any material used to make this equipment must be durable enough to handle being used frequently.
If there is equipment that needs maintenance, then it should be clearly labeled as off limits. There shouldn’t be any equipment with any type of sharp or awkward edges, nor should there be bolts or s-shaped hooks that can get a child tangled in them. Any ramp and / or platform must have some type of barrier, such as a guardrail.
Injuries on playgrounds can range from broken bones to catastrophic injuries. If your child has been injured on a playground then you owe it to yourself – and to them – to find out if you’re owed compensation for damages. Reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 today for your free case evaluation.
