The warm summer months invite families to playgrounds, where children can enjoy running, laughing, and playing with friends in what should be a safe environment. However, injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, concussions, and sprains can turn a fun day into an emergency room visit. Here’s how to keep your children safe and the steps to take if an injury occurs due to unsafe playground conditions.
Choosing the Right Playground
Playground safety starts with selecting the right playground. In Delaware, playgrounds vary, so visit and inspect them before bringing your children. Look for playgrounds with soft surfaces like wood mulch, shredded tires, or sand, which absorb shocks better than hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete. Even packed dirt and grass aren't ideal, as weather can affect their shock-absorbing ability.
Opt for well-designed playgrounds with separate areas for toddlers and preschoolers, keeping them away from older, more active children.
Inspection of Equipment
Before allowing your children to play, inspect the playground equipment. Check for:
Wear and tear, such as corrosion or deterioration
Rot and weathering
Broken pieces or sharp edges that could catch clothing
Dangerous hardware like protruding bolt ends
Exposed concrete footings, rocks, or tree stumps on the ground
Spaces in guard rails that could trap children
Guidelines for Safe Playground Use
Close supervision and teaching children how to play safely are crucial in preventing injuries. Here are some guidelines:
Footwear: Ensure children wear appropriate shoes—closed-toe with tied shoelaces—for safe running and climbing.
Supervision: Always keep an eye on your child.
Equipment Use: Follow specific guidelines for each type of equipment.
Swings: Sit down while swinging and wait for the swing to stop before getting off.
Slides: Go down one person at a time, sitting and facing forward. Never climb up the front or over the guard rails.
Monkey Bars: Teach children to use caution, as falling can result in broken bones.
What to Do If Your Child Is Injured
If your child is seriously injured despite taking precautions, it could be due to defective design or poor maintenance. Sometimes, the party responsible for installing the playground might not have followed proper procedures. Depending on the circumstances, including whether the playground is owned by a government entity or school, you might have grounds to sue the owner.
At Kimmel Carter, our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to guiding you through the Delaware Personal Injury process. If your child has been injured on a playground, please call us for a free legal consultation at (302) 565-6100.
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