Concussions are common on the football field and the hockey rink, but what about on playgrounds? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 21,000 U.S. kids suffer traumatic brain injuries on the playground annually. In addition, the rate of childhood concussions is rising. In 2005, 23 out of 100,000 children suffered a concussion, while in 2013 that number had risen to 48. Contact a Boston Personal Injury Lawyer Today. There has been a sharp rise in concussions among children, but the CDC isn’t exactly sure why. However, the agency has recommended “improved adult supervision, methods to reduce child risk behavior, regular equipment maintenance, and improvements in playground surfaces and environments.”
Monkey Bars and Swings
Although children can suffer traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, on any type of playground equipment, the two types of equipment most commonly involved are monkey bars and swing sets. The most important factor to take into consideration when allowing your child to use playground equipment is the safety of that equipment. Old, poorly maintained equipment can pose serious risks, as can defective or improperly designed equipment. However, kids can be injured on newer, well-constructed equipment as well. Proper supervision is necessary at all times to reduce this risk.
Soft Ground Surfaces Provide a Solution
Manufacturers of playground equipment can be held liable if negligence results in injury. If it can be shown that the equipment was poorly designed, defective, or lacked adequate warnings, the injured party may be able to recover compensation for any damages, including medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. According to the CDC, the risk of concussions is dramatically reduced when playgrounds have soft ground surfaces, such as sand or wood chips. Steer clear of playgrounds with concrete ground surfaces as these can be very dangerous, even deadly.
Who is Responsible?
If your child suffers a concussion on the playground, who is responsible? Much of this depends on the location. If the playground is located in a city park or on school property, you may be able to file a claim for premises liability against the municipality or school. But these claims can be quite complex. Some government entities require that the claimant first file a notice of claim, which alerts the city or school that an injury has occurred on its property. At that stage, the government entity may, or may not, pay the claim before it goes to court.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Personal Injury Law Firm Serving Boston and the Surrounding Area
If your child has been injured on a playground, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have more than 50 years of experience protecting the rights of accident and injury victims. Our compassionate, knowledgeable attorneys have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for clients. If your child has been injured, it is in your best interest to consult with a personal injury attorney right away. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.