Playgrounds are meant to be safe spaces for children, but the risk of injury increases when equipment is broken or poorly maintained. Determining liability for injuries caused by broken playground equipment depends on the circumstances of the accident and the responsible parties. Parents should understand their legal options to seek justice and compensation for their child’s injuries.
Keep reading for more from the skilled Florida premises liability lawyers at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, then contact us online or call (561) 655-1990 today.
Common causes of playground equipment injuries
Injuries from broken playground equipment often result from:
- Lack of maintenance: Equipment that is rusted, loose, or has sharp edges can pose serious hazards.
- Improper installation: Poorly assembled or anchored equipment can fail under normal use.
- Design defects: Flaws in the equipment’s design can make it inherently unsafe, even when properly maintained.
- Negligent supervision: Failure to monitor the playground area or warn about hazards can contribute to accidents.
Potentially liable parties for broken playground equipment injuries
Liability for injuries caused by broken playground equipment may fall on one or more of the following parties.
Property owners
Under Florida Statutes § 768.075, property owners are responsible for maintaining safe conditions. If the playground is on private property, such as a daycare or apartment complex, the owner could be liable for failing to repair or replace broken equipment.
Public entities
If the playground is located in a public park, the city or county responsible for maintaining the park may be liable. Filing a claim against a government entity involves additional steps under Florida Statutes § 768.28, which outlines sovereign immunity waivers.
Equipment manufacturers
If a defect in the design or manufacturing of the playground equipment caused the injury, the manufacturer could be held accountable under product liability laws.
Maintenance companies
If a third-party company was hired to inspect and maintain the playground but failed to address hazards, they could also share liability.
Proving liability in playground injury cases
To hold a party liable for injuries caused by broken playground equipment, you must establish:
- Duty of care: The responsible party had a duty to maintain safe conditions on the playground.
- Breach of duty: The party failed to repair or replace the broken equipment or provide adequate warnings.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused your child’s injury.
- Damages: Your child suffered measurable harm, such as medical expenses or emotional trauma.
How Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can help
At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we have extensive experience handling cases involving injuries caused by broken playground equipment. Our legal team will investigate the incident, determine liability, and fight for the compensation your family deserves. We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and protecting your child’s rights.
Compensation for playground injuries
Parents can seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future treatment needs.
- Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional impact of the injury on your child.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If the injury results in long-term limitations on your child’s activities.
- Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.
Contact us for a free consultation
If your child has been injured on broken playground equipment, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath at (561) 655-1990 for a free consultation. Let us help you seek justice and fair compensation for your child’s injuries.