Exercise and activity are incredibly beneficial for children, and playgrounds provide a great environment for them to engage in active play. As we enter the summer months, more and more children are making use of these facilities. Unfortunately, this means that many children are at risk of being injured while using playground equipment. When a child suffers an injury because of defective or dangerous playground equipment, it is important for parents to understand their options for recovering compensation from the liable party or parties.

Playground Injury Statistics

Every year, more than 200,000 children are treated in emergency rooms for injuries which occurred on playgrounds. Falls are the most common cause of injuries, accounting for 44% of injuries. Equipment-related issues (including broken equipment, poorly-designed equipment, structures which tip over, and equipment which was not assembled or maintained correctly) account for 23% of injuries.

Playgrounds have existed decades — outdoor play areas designed for young children to swing, slide, pretend, and just be kids. More and more indoor gyms for children are being opened as well. Unfortunately, the fun these playgrounds and gyms present are met with corresponding risks.

Children have continuously been injured on playground and gym equipment due to defective parts on a playground, and the property owner’s failure to properly inspect the equipment prior to allowing kids to play on it. We have seen these range from minor cuts and lacerations to severe fractures that require surgery. In fact, at Pullano Law Offices we represented a 6 year-old girl who suffered an awful leg injury at an indoor children's gym, and we were able to settle case for $225k.

Under Illinois law, playground hazards are the responsibility of owners, operators, schools, parents, and all other caretakers for children on the playground.