Taking children to the playground is a common way to let them burn off energy, socialize, and develop important physical skills. However, not all playgrounds are created equal.
Unfortunately, playground injuries are far more common than many parents realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 200,000 children under the age of 14 are treated in emergency departments for playground-related injuries every year. As a parent, knowing what types of playgrounds pose the highest risks to keep your children safe is essential.
If your child has been injured due to unsafe playground equipment or poor maintenance, contacting a personal injury lawyer in Long Island can help you understand your legal options. Here are the eight most dangerous types of playgrounds and what to watch out for with your kids.
1. Old, Rusty, or Outdated Playgrounds
Many playgrounds, especially those in smaller parks or older neighborhoods, haven’t been updated in decades. Rusty metal, splintered wood, and aging plastic are not just unsightly—they can be hazardous. Old equipment is more likely to break, leading to serious accidents. Rust can also cause infections if it penetrates the skin.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), outdated playgrounds often don’t meet safety standards for fall protection or equipment spacing, increasing the chances of falls and collisions. If your child suffers an injury on unsafe playground equipment, a Long Island personal injury attorney can help hold those responsible accountable.
2. Playgrounds Near Traffic
Playgrounds near busy streets or parking lots can pose serious risks, especially for younger children wandering away from play areas. While most playgrounds have fencing, not all do, and even a momentary distraction can lead to a child running into traffic.
New York law imposes a duty of care on municipalities and property owners to ensure playgrounds are safe, which includes securing them from nearby traffic hazards. If your child has been injured due to the lack of proper fencing or safety measures, an accident lawyer in Long Island can assist in evaluating whether the playground operator breached their duty of care.
3. Playgrounds with Poor Surfacing
According to the CPSC, nearly 70% of playground injuries are related to falls, and the type of surfacing material plays a significant role in how serious those injuries are. Playgrounds with concrete, asphalt, packed dirt, or grass surfaces provide little to no cushioning for falls, leading to broken bones or head injuries. Safer surfaces, such as rubber mats, wood chips, or sand, help absorb impact and prevent more serious harm.
In New York, the CPSC’s Public Playground Safety Handbook provides guidelines on what surfacing materials should be used. If your child’s injury occurred on a poorly maintained surface, consulting with a New York injury attorney can help determine if the playground owner was negligent.
4. Playgrounds with Sharp or Unsecured Equipment
Playground equipment should be free from sharp edges, loose bolts, or broken parts. Unfortunately, improperly maintained playgrounds can have protruding nails, broken slides, or swings with frayed ropes or chains, leading to cuts, bruises, or even more severe injuries.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, sharp edges or unsecured equipment are common causes of lacerations and puncture wounds in children. Regular maintenance and inspections are required by law in New York to prevent these hazards.
If you believe that negligence in maintaining playground equipment led to your child’s injury, speaking to a Long Island personal injury attorney can help clarify your legal rights.
5. Playgrounds with High Platforms and No Guardrails
Platforms, climbing equipment, and play structures can become dangerous without appropriate guardrails or barriers. Children are curious and often test their limits by climbing higher than is safe. Without guardrails, it’s easy for them to lose their balance and fall from significant heights, leading to serious injuries.
The CPSC recommends that any platform over 30 inches high have protective barriers. A playground without these guardrails may violate safety standards, and a personal injury lawyer in Long Island can investigate whether the playground operator failed to comply with necessary safety regulations.
6. Crowded Playgrounds with Poor Supervision
Crowded playgrounds can be chaotic, increasing the chances of accidents and injuries. In these environments, children may bump into each other, fall off equipment, or suffer from overcrowded play structures not designed for so many kids at once. Where applicable, poor supervision by playground staff can worsen this situation.
Schools, daycares, and public playgrounds may have legal responsibilities to ensure proper supervision in New York. If your child was injured at an overcrowded playground or lacked supervision, a New York injury attorney can help determine if negligence played a role in the incident.
7. Playgrounds with Improperly Spaced Equipment
Proper spacing between playground equipment is essential to prevent collisions and falls. When slides, swings, and climbing structures are too close together, there’s a higher risk of accidents. For example, children can easily run into someone swinging or trip over another play structure while trying to navigate the playground.
The CPSC recommends specific spacing guidelines for various types of equipment, ensuring enough room for children to use them safely. If these guidelines weren’t followed and your child was injured, a Long Island personal injury attorney can help investigate the playground’s design.
8. Playgrounds with Hazardous Water Features
Some playgrounds incorporate water features such as splash pads, fountains, or pools, especially in summer. While these can be fun, they can also pose slip-and-fall risks or drowning hazards if not properly maintained. Slippery surfaces near water features can lead to serious falls, and unsupervised or poorly designed water elements may create additional dangers for young children.
In New York, property owners are required to maintain safe conditions in areas with water features. If an injury occurred due to negligence around water features, an accident lawyer in Long Island can guide you through seeking compensation for medical costs and emotional distress.
Legal Recourse and Protecting Your Child’s Rights
Playground accidents can have serious, long-term consequences for children and their families. In New York, property owners, municipalities, and organizations operating playgrounds have a legal responsibility to ensure these spaces are safe for children. When they fail to meet these obligations, they may be held liable for injuries that occur as a result.
If your child has been hurt due to dangerous playground conditions, contacting a Long Island personal injury attorney is essential. A qualified attorney can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and pursue compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages (if you had to take time off work to care for your child), and pain and suffering.
Joseph J. Perrini, III, a trusted personal injury lawyer in Long Island, is dedicated to helping families recover from the impact of playground accidents. Contact our office today to learn how he can assist you in pursuing justice for your injured child.
