Common Playground Injuries

Summer is just around the corner, which means more kids will be heading outside to enjoy the long break from school. Although playgrounds, parks, and jungle gyms can be fun, they are not without risks. Unfortunately, children can get seriously hurt on playgrounds – especially when playground equipment is dangerous or defective.

Falls a Leading Cause of Playground Injuries

Statistics from the National Safety Council reveal that over 200,000 kids visit the emergency room every year due to injuries sustained on playgrounds. Of all these injuries, about 80 percent are caused by falls.

As parents are undoubtedly aware, children aren’t always the best at appreciating danger or knowing their limits. Of course, some children are more daring than others. When playground equipment is unreasonably dangerous, however, it can cause injuries that would not have otherwise happened. Common playground injuries include:

Broken bones
Cuts and scrapes
Bruises
Concussions
Sprains and strains

In addition to the initial fear that comes with hearing that your child is injured, these injuries can also be painful to the child. The child may need to receive medical care and may need a cast to recover from their injury.

Avoiding Playground Injuries

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, some types of playgrounds are more dangerous than others. Here are several potential hazards to watch out for:

Lack of protective fall surfaces: Falls are the top cause of playground injuries. Many falls happen because playgrounds lack appropriate protective surfaces. Check to make sure a playground has a safe surface, such as rubber matting, wood chips, sand, or mulch.
Hazardous protrusions: Check playground equipment for any sharp areas that stick out from the rest of the structure. Clothing can easily get tangled in metal or plastic protrusions, causing strangulation or another injury.
Lack of guardrails: Bridges, slides, platforms, and other high areas should have guardrails to prevent falls.
Tripping hazards: Railroad ties, broken pavement, rocks, and tree stumps are all tripping hazards that can lead to serious injuries.

Before allowing your child onto the playground, do a quick evaluation of the area to ensure that it is safe. If they are injured, try to determine what led to the injury after getting them medical care. This can help to prevent other children from suffering similar injuries. It can also help you protect your child’s rights if their injuries become costly.

Boston and Brockton Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal injuries are always difficult. When a child is injured, it is even more devastating. If your child has been hurt at a playground, whether due to hazardous equipment or a lack of proper supervision, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer right away. The personal injury lawyers at Joel H. Schwartz, P.C. are here to help. You and your child may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and other damages. Call us today at (617) 742-1170 to discuss your case.

This website has been prepared by Joel H. Schwartz, P.C. for informational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.