Indianapolis Playground Accident Lawyers
Play is an important part of a child’s development. Playgrounds are good tools to help a child learn & practice motor, cognitive, and social skills. However, injuries can occur on a playground that is poorly designed, in need of repair, or inadequately supervised.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report over 200,000 children ages 14 and under are injured on playgrounds each year. Most injuries involve climbing equipment. Falling is the most common accident on playgrounds which can lead to injuries such as broken bones, internal injuries, concussions, and dislocations.
In the 10 years between 1990 and 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 147 deaths of children ages 14 and under from playground-related equipment injuries. Strangulation and falling were cited as the two main reasons for death in these cases.
Playground Safety
There are many things that can be done to help ensure the safety of children who use playground equipment. First, the equipment should be regularly checked for signs of wear and repaired immediately to avoid injury. The more a piece of equipment is used, the more likely it is to splinter, crack, or weaken– increasing the chance for an injury.
Proper design of playground equipment and materials is an important factor in keeping children safe. Openings in playground equipment need to be either less than 3 inches wide or more than 9 inches wide to avoid entrapment. Any piece of equipment that is more than 20 inches off the ground must have protective barriers. Soft landing surfaces consisting of material like wood chips, rubber, or sand are also required to protect children from injury.
Adult supervision at a playground can help reduce injuries. By staying alert and enforcing safety rules, a playground supervisor can help children avoid accidents on swing sets, monkey bars, and other fixtures. Playground supervisors may also notice when equipment starts to show signs of wear and can recommend timely maintenance to reduce the risk of injury for children.
Your Rights
Whether located in a park, church, school or on private property, playgrounds must be constructed properly and maintained to ensure the safety of the children who use them. When children are allowed to play on equipment that is worn or lacks the proper protective barriers, the risk for serious injury increases.
If your child or someone you know has been seriously injured as the result of an accident with playground equipment, contact us. Our Indianapolis personal injury attorneys have represented clients whose children have suffered serious injury as a result of negligence and are available to advise you of your legal rights and options. Serious injuries may require ongoing physical therapy or multiple corrective surgeries. A personal injury lawsuit can help provide the compensation you deserve to help your child heal. The initial consultation is free and our firm will not collect legal fees until you receive your claim.
