Protecting Children from Serious Playground Injuries

While playgrounds are often a fun place for children to romp around after school or during the summer months, parents should be aware of the hazards that can lurk at these types of places. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 200,000 children under age 14 are treated in emergency rooms for personal injuries suffered on the playground.
Playgrounds often have metal monkey bars, high slides and climbing surfaces, swings and other playthings that may lend themselves to a fall or other types of injuries. The riskiest equipment on a playground according to the CDC is climbers and swings. Playgrounds in low-income areas are even more dangerous because studies have found they are not maintained, as they should be.
Playground Accident Statistics
About 75 percent of injury accidents occur on public playgrounds, mostly at school or daycare centers. The CDC reports that girls tend to suffer more injuries than boys. Of all the accidents that occur, 45 percent result in serious injuries such as fractures, internal injuries, concussions and amputations. In the most devastating cases, a playground accident can result in death. According to the CDC, 147 children died from 1990 to 2000 as a result of playground injuries. Also, 82 children died from strangulation and 31 died because of a fall.
Preventing Playground Injuries
Parents can take several steps to help prevent accidents at playgrounds, at home or in public. KidsHealth.org recommends that parents teach their children the proper way to use playground equipment. Show them how to climb safely and use swings and slides properly. Parents should also closely supervise children. Taking children to a more modern and well-maintained playground may also help prevent injuries. Lastly, Kids Health.org recommends parents conduct their own inspection of the playground before allowing their child to play.
Compensation for Injured Victims
If a child is hurt because a play area was not maintained properly or was generally unsafe, the agency or organization responsible for maintaining that playground could be held liable. Parents may be able to seek compensation for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, hospitalization costs, past and future pain and suffering, etc.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York playground accident, the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Please call our offices 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: CDC