Did you know that some of the most traumatic brain injuries children sustain occur on the playground? In an investigation by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) from 2001 through 2008, it was revealed that the most traumatic brain injuries for children four years old and younger occurred on playgrounds.
Playground accidents in Georgia can occur anywhere, including school, the city park, daycare, or even a fast food restaurant.
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, the following statistics reveal just how serious playground accidents are for kids, including:
- Over 75 percent of playground accident injuries have occurred from falls
- In 75 percent of fall-related deaths associated with playgrounds, head injuries have been involved
- About 40 percent of playground-related injuries take place during the months of May, June, and September
A CPSC survey found that approximately 75 percent of playgrounds did not have adequate protective surfacing. Protective surfacing is one of the most critical safety aspects on playgrounds, as it helps reduce head injuries for children who have fallen off monkey bars, swings, or slides.
Without the correct energy-absorbing materials, such as wood chips, mulch, shredded rubber, wood fiber, and sand, children who fall off playground equipment have a higher risk of developing head injuries. The types of brain injuries that can occur in Georgia playground-related accidents include:
- Concussion
- Skull fracture
- Traumatic brain injury
- Other head injuries
Concrete, asphalt, floor tile, or even a thin layer of mulch is not enough to protect children from falls off playground equipment. If your child suffered a brain injury because the playground was not equipped with the proper fall surfacing, your family may be entitled to compensation from the city, school, or restaurant liable for failing to ensure the playground was safe.
Shane Smith Law is experienced in advocating for Georgia brain injury victims, and we can help your child receive compensation for medical benefits, physical therapy, loss of quality of life, permanent loss of function, disability, pain, suffering, and more. To speak with a qualified Peachtree City brain injury lawyer, call us for a free consultation at (980) 246-2656 to find out about your rights.