It’s National Playground Safety Week (April 20 to 24, 2026), which means it’s a great time to talk about playground safety and what to do if your child is injured in a playground accident. While playgrounds are a great place for children to run, play, and climb, they also come with hazards and risks.
If your child was injured on a playground because of the negligence of another, you need to know your legal rights. Contact an experienced, local child injury lawyer to discuss your potential claim.
Common Playground Hazards and Risks
Playgrounds are designed for fun, exploration, and physical activity, but like any active environment, they come with potential risks. Understanding common playground hazards can help parents, caregivers, and communities create safer spaces for children to play.
Common Playground Hazards and Risks:
- Falls from elevated equipment onto hard surfaces (ex. concrete), resulting in concussions or fractures
- Cuts and lacerations from exposed screws, bolts, or sharp metal edges
- Risk of infection (including tetanus) from contact with rusted or contaminated metal
- Collisions on slides or swings, or being struck by moving equipment, leading to head injuries
- Slips, trips, and falls due to uneven surfaces or poorly maintained equipment
- Burns from sun-heated metal or plastic surfaces
How to Know Whether You Have a Potential Playground Accident Injury Claim
Not every playground injury leads to a legal claim, but if an injury happens because of negligence or unsafe conditions, it may be a personal injury case. A free consultation with a personal injury attorney is the best way to discover whether you have a valid case.
Here are some common situations where liability could come into play:
- Poorly maintained equipment: If swings break, slides crack, or bolts come loose and aren’t fixed, the responsible party may be liable.
- Lack of proper safety surfacing: Playgrounds without soft materials like mulch or rubber under equipment can make injuries worse and lead to claims.
- Defective equipment design or manufacturing: If equipment is unsafe due to a design or manufacturing flaw, the manufacturer may be responsible.
- Failure to inspect or fix known hazards: Property owners who ignore known dangers may be held accountable.
- Inadequate supervision: Schools, daycares, or camps may be liable if staff do not properly supervise children.
- Improper installation: If equipment is installed incorrectly and causes injury, the installer or contractor may be at fault.
- Hazardous property conditions: Items like broken glass or exposed nails in play areas can create liability for the property owner.
- Lack of fencing or security: Failure to properly secure a playground near traffic or other dangers may contribute to an injury claim.
How a Child Injury Attorney Can Help After a Playground Accident
After a playground accident, a child injury attorney can help families understand their legal rights and options. They can investigate what caused the injury, gather evidence, and determine whether negligence or unsafe conditions were involved. An attorney can also identify who may be responsible, such as a property owner, school, or equipment manufacturer.
They handle communication with insurance companies and work to seek fair compensation for medical bills, pain, and other damages. Most importantly, they guide families through the legal process so they can focus on their child’s recovery and well-being during a difficult time.
Seek the Help of a Child Injury Lawyer
If your child was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a child injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that your child and family deserves. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
