CHILDREN AT RISK FOR PLAYGROUND INJURIES

On behalf of Hyland Law Firm, LLC posted in Premises Liability on Thursday, December 18, 2014.

Kansas parents should feel confident about the health and safety of their children when they send them to school or let them play at a park. However, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may indicate that parents should have some concerns.

According to the report, 45 percent of all accidents on the playground will lead to severe injuries, including concussions and fractures. The report also found that nearly 150 children ages 14 and younger died from playground-related accidents between 1990 and 2000. These deaths occurred mostly from strangulation and falls, and the majority of incidents took place on playgrounds in their own homes.

The CDC also found that girls suffer injuries slightly more often than boys do. Furthermore, they found that most incidents involve swings and climbing equipment. Though parents can examine playgrounds and look for potential hazards, they can't be there to watch their children every moment of the day.

The parents of a child suffering from a serious injury after an incident on a playground may have the right to file a lawsuit against the owner of the playground. A negligent property owner may leave grass and vegetation unattended or leave equipment in bad condition. This would hold the owner of that equipment liable for the injury. Kansas City playground owners and operators can also be held responsible for inadequate security, icy sidewalks and other conditions.

A personal injury case can also involve the manufacturer of playground equipment. If the manufacturer was aware of an issue or the equipment was faulty, the manufacturer is liable for the injury. An attorney may gather documentation that proves that negligence led to a serious injury in order to seek compensation for the injured child.

Source: CDC, "Playground Injuries: Fact Sheet", December 15, 2014