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Beware of Injuries at Your Local Playground

  • Jan 15 2014
  • Gilleon Law Firm, APC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there are more than 200,000 children injured every year at playgrounds.  Approximately 45 percent of the playground injuries involve fractures, concussions, dislocations and other severe injuries. It is also estimated that 75 percent of nonfatal playground-related injuries occur on public playgrounds.

Causes of playground injuries

It has been so long since you were a kid, but you still may remember that playground accidents occur in a myriad of ways. Playground-related injuries are caused by the following:

  • Falls from bars, jungle gyms, slides or any other equipment
  • Equipment that becomes too hot from the sun
  • Moving parts that trap limbs
  • Broken or sharp parts

Many playground injuries could be avoided with adequate parental supervision at the park.

Manager’s duty

The owner or manager of a playground has a duty to provide a safe playground by periodically inspecting the equipment and grounds.  If the manager notices something amiss, he or she must correct it immediately. Premises managers must also post warning signs informing guests of potential dangers.

California playground laws

California law says that all new playgrounds must conform to the playground-related standards set up by the American Society for Testing and Materials and the related standards established by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Replacement of equipment and modification of components in existing playgrounds must also satisfy the same standards. California law also prescribes that all public agencies operating playgrounds and all others operating a public playground must have a certified playground safety inspector.

If a loved one has been hurt at a public playground, schedule a consultation with an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney who can help evaluate whether you should file a lawsuit.  We are dedicated to serving you.


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