You took your kids out to the park one sunny day. They were excited when they saw the bright colors of the playground and ran to their favorites—slide, swing and seesaw. Their laughter was suddenly replaced with cries when they fell from the swing. Devastated and scared, you immediately took your kids to the nearest emergency room to get their cuts and sprains treated. You felt frustrated when you realized the incident happened because of the playground’s poor maintenance. You ask yourself—who should I hold liable for my children’s injuries?
Where is the playground located?
The first thing you need to know when determining liability is the location where the incident happened. Is it in a private or public park? You can hold the owner liable for your children’s injuries if it is on privately owned property. As property owners, they are responsible for ensuring the safety and maintenance of the playground.
However, it could get complicated when the playground is in a public park. While you could sue the municipality or city for this incident, it is an overly complex and time-consuming process. It is crucial to seek the guidance of legal professionals to navigate the process of claiming compensation from a government agency.
Are there other parties involved?
Aside from the property owner, you can also look into other parties involved in building or maintaining the playground. Did the property owner hire a contractor to assemble the playground equipment? Were the playground materials in good condition when the owner bought them? You could also hold the contractor and manufacturer liable if you find a fault from their end.
Parents would do everything to protect their children from injuries and accidents. So, when their children get injured because of a third party, they are always ready to fight and hold them liable. If you are in a similar situation, consider contacting a personal injury lawyer to hold the involved parties accountable and get the compensation that is rightfully yours.