What to do if my child was injured in the school playground

When we send our children to school, we don’t expect an accident to happen to them during the time they are there, so getting a call from the school to let us know that they have been injured can be very stressful.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, about 20,000 children are injured on playgrounds each year. Of all the accidents that occur, an estimated half of the injuries are considered serious, including concussions, internal fractures, and broken bones. On the other hand, it has been reported that 75% of these accidents are due to slips/trips and falls.

Children run, play, and go up and down without considering the possibility of an injury. Many of the injuries that occur in playgrounds are simple accidents, a consequence of children’s activity; however, some may occur if equipment fails or the school has failed to monitor and maintain the equipment properly.

In the event that poor design or equipment malfunction is the cause of an accident, then the manufacturer could also be held liable under product liability law. If your child is injured while at school, it is important to follow the steps outlined below:

• First of all, you must ensure that your child receives the appropriate medical treatment for their injuries as soon as possible. This can help you have evidence of the injuries they sustained, and the doctor can help you understand how the injury was caused and its potential consequences, and future care.
• Talk to the teachers and the people supervising the children in the playground. Ask them how the accident happened, who was the first person to notice it, what kind of care they gave your child and the possible actions they might take as a consequence.
• Talk to your child. Ask your little one to tell you what happened. Make sure to make them feel safe and secure, reaffirming that they shouldn’t be afraid to tell you what happened. This way, you will be able to realize if there are inconsistencies in both stories.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you believe the accident may have resulted from poor supervision by school personnel or equipment malfunction. We will help by answering your legal questions and letting you know if you have a solid case to begin a legal process. Call us today!