Parents quickly learn how much joy and excitement their children derive from the playground. Jungle gyms and swing sets have been popular for generations. Unfortunately, they have also caused a significant number of injuries.
Finding a balance between keeping your children safe and allowing them the freedom to explore is important, but if your child suffers from serious playground injuries, it is important to remember that you are not alone. An experienced Seattle personal-injury lawyer may be able to help you and your family recover damages to pay for medical treatment.
At Richard McKinney Law, we have been helping people who have suffered injuries due to another person or company’s negligence for more than 40 years, and we know what it takes to file a successful claim. As a parent of an injured child, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, and the easiest way to find out is to consult an expert. Call us today at 844-933-1605, and read on for more information regarding playground injuries:
High Prevalence of Playground Injuries in the United States
SafeKids claims that unintentional injuries kill more children in the United States than any other event, and playground injuries make up a significant percentage of them. SafeKids estimates that as many as 150,000 children visit emergency rooms across the United States with playground injuries annually.
More children in elementary school injure themselves on swing sets than they do anywhere else, and a large percentage of playground injuries occur in public places like schools and parks. In general, children sustain fewer injuries from private backyard playground equipment.
The Dangers of Playground Equipment
Playground equipment can cause a wide range of injuries, which can be fatal in severe cases. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, which governs all aspects of playground safety, claims that many accidents occur when clothing or equipment worn by children strangles or suffocates them. Loose clothing or necklaces are especially problematic when combined with playground equipment.
As children get older and more daring, slip and fall injuries are also common. These are particularly dangerous when the fall is from a high jungle gym or moving swing.
Experts encourage parents and school officials to make their playgrounds safer by adding soft surfaces, such as rubber or woodchips, beneath the climbing equipment. A fall onto concrete or hard ground can have fatal consequences. It is also important that a parent or teacher monitors the children at all times and ensures that children only play on equipment appropriate for their age.
If your child sustained playground injuries, you may be able to claim compensation for the medical expenses you have incurred. Contact an experienced Seattle personal-injury attorney for advice on how you can proceed with your case.
We have extensive personal-injury experience at Richard McKinney Law, and we are ready to apply our knowledge to your case. Call us today at 844-933-1605 to schedule an appointment.