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No parent takes their child to the playground thinking it will end in an ER visit. You expect the equipment to be safe, because that’s what it should be. But when a child is injured by broken, rusted, or poorly designed equipment, that moment of play can turn into a traumatic and life-changing event.
If your child has been hurt, we want you to know this: it’s not your fault, and you are not alone.
What Counts as Unsafe or Dangerous Playground Equipment?
Sometimes the signs of danger are obvious, like a broken swing or a rusty slide. Other times, the problems are harder to spot until it's too late. Equipment becomes dangerous when poorly maintained, outdated, or not designed with child safety in mind. Some common issues include:
- Cracked, broken, or unstable structures
- Rusted metal parts that can break or cause cuts
- Exposed screws, bolts, or sharp edges
- Lack of soft, shock-absorbing material under high equipment
- Openings or gaps that can trap a child’s head, limbs, or clothing
- Equipment that’s too advanced for younger children, without proper signage
When those responsible for maintaining these play areas cut corners or ignore safety hazards, kids suffer, and that’s never acceptable.
Who Is Responsible for Playground Injuries?
When a child gets hurt due to unsafe equipment, someone is usually responsible, and it’s often not just an unfortunate accident. Property owners and managers have a legal duty to keep the spaces they open to the public safe. If they knew about a hazard and didn’t fix it—or should have known—a legal claim may be an option.
Holding them accountable isn’t just about your child. It’s about making sure this doesn’t happen to another family.
What Types of Injuries Happen on Defective Equipment?
We’ve worked with families whose children have experienced:
- Broken bones from high falls
- Concussions or brain injuries
- Deep cuts and facial injuries
- Spinal trauma
- Internal injuries from sharp or protruding parts
- Long-term emotional distress from the incident
Playgrounds should be a place for laughter and exploration, not a source of pain and fear. When unsafe equipment causes serious harm, physical injuries are only part of the story. There’s also the emotional toll on both the child and the family.
What Steps Should I Take If My Child Is Injured?
If your child is hurt on playground equipment, here’s what we recommend:
- Get medical help immediately. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s worth having them evaluated.
- Take photos and videos. Capture the equipment, the area, and any visible injuries.
- Report the injury. Notify whoever oversees the property and request a copy of any written report.
- Document everything. Keep track of doctor visits, expenses, and your child’s recovery.
These early steps can make a big difference in proving what went wrong and why it shouldn’t have happened.
How The Button Law Firm Supports Families After Playground Injuries
At The Button Law Firm, we’ve seen the heartbreak and anger that come after a child is hurt in a space that should have been safe. We help families get answers, hold the right people accountable, and find a path forward.
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a playground injury, we’re here to help. Call us at 214-699-4409, email us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or fill out the contact form on our website to get started.
