Summer is here, and children in Delaware are surely excited to spend time outdoors after the long cold winter. However, summer comes with a whole host of dangers, one of which is playgrounds. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says over 200,000 children under the age of 15 suffer playground-related injuries each year. Even more alarming is the fact that the number of traumatic brain injuries included in that number exceeds 20,000. Dangerous circumstances at public playgrounds can result in personal injury claims.
Reportedly, falls cause 80% of playground injuries. Concrete should be covered with wood chips, mats or other material, and there should not be tree stumps or rocks around play areas. Equipment that is too close together increases the risk of injuries. Any platforms or other elevated areas higher than 30 inches must have barriers or guardrails to prevent falls.
There should not be any openings that could entrap a child’s head. Openings such as bars, rungs, rails and in cargo net ropes must be over 9 inches or less than 3.5 inches. Equipment must be free of sharp edges, protruding bolts or other sharp edges or points.
Parents of a child who suffered injuries on a Delaware playground may be entitled to pursue premises liability claims against the owner, manager or other responsible party regarding the playground. However, for a personal injury claim to be valid, negligence must be established. Legal proceedings are complicated, and it makes sense to seek the support and guidance of a personal injury attorney. The successful presentation of such a lawsuit may lead to a monetary judgment to cover financial and other damages.
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