Playgrounds might be the perfect place to get in some physical activity before dinner or socialize with peers, but they can also be dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 200,000 children visit emergency departments for injuries sustained on playground equipment every year.
Sometimes, playground accidents are just that—accidents—but other times, incidents on the jungle gym that result in injuries are entirely preventable. Since many playgrounds are on public property, though, it can be hard to determine who might be liable in such a scenario.
If your child was hurt while playing outside and you think negligence is to blame, turn to Ballard Law, PLLC. William E. Ballard will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Jackson.
Who Is Liable for Playground Accidents?
At the end of the day, there are various parties who can be liable for playground accidents. In order to determine who might be responsible for your child’s injuries, a personal injury lawyer can review the case to see if the incident was the result of inadequate supervision or unsafe equipment.
In Cases Involving Inadequate Supervision
If there is a jungle gym at your child’s daycare, camp, church, or school, certain adults are responsible for monitoring the children who play on it when parents are not present. This might include caregivers, teachers, coaches, and counselors.
When the adults who are supposed to be monitoring the equipment fail to do so and injuries result, they or their employers can be liable. For example, you may have a claim against your child’s school if he or she was hurt at recess because the teachers were not properly supervising your child.
In Cases Involving Unsafe Equipment
Even the sturdiest gym equipment wears down over time. Various organizations, government entities, and schools can all be responsible for maintaining a playground up to reasonable safety standards.
If the party responsible for maintaining the equipment fails to do so and a child sustains injuries as a result, the parents have the right to hold the negligent party financially liable. It is important to keep in mind that if you want to bring a suit against the government, you have a considerably shorter deadline in which to do so.
In the state of Mississippi, accident victims typically have three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim; however, if they want to name a government entity as the defendant, the time period is much shorter.
If your child sustained injuries on the playground and you think unsafe equipment or inadequate supervision is to blame, turn to Ballard Law, PLLC. We are proud to help accident victims pursue justice and the compensation they need to move on with life.
Contact us online or call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer in Jackson. You can learn more about injury claims in Mississippi by visiting the USAttorneys website.
