Children love playgrounds, and they will happily spend hours jumping and running across their favorite playsets for hours. Unfortunately, not all playground equipment is maintained properly, and defective hardware could pose a variety of hazards for children.
Alarmingly, the CDC has identified a rising trend with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in playground-related injuries. This post highlights important information that all parents should be aware of, especially if you or your child routinely frequent playgrounds in your area.
How Playground Brain Injuries Happen
Any serious jolt or blow to the head can lead to a traumatic brain injury. The biggest contributor to this type of injury includes equipment such as monkey bars, slides, climbing equipment, and swings. The risk is further exacerbated when said equipment is faulty. As a parent, you should always be on the lookout for issues such as loose screws or fasteners, ladder defects, poorly-constructed playsets, exposed hardware, inadequate or no ground cushioning, entrapment hazards, and more.
Trauma to the head can cause the shake to the brain within the skull, which could lead to short-term and permanent damage. Concussions are also common when it comes to playground injuries. These injuries carry additional risks for children as their brain is still developing.
Parents should remain alert when it comes to these types of injuries. Symptoms of TBI to be on the lookout for include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Memory problems
- Fatigue/general sense of feeling unwell
- Loss of Consciousness
- Constant and persistent headaches
Holding the Responsible Parties Accountable
Although this varies depending on specifics of any given injury, the manufacturer is generally considered responsible for playground defects and lack of proper warnings. Other parties within the chain of distribution may also be found culpable for damages when children are injured due to defective equipment.
Speak to a California Personal Injury Attorney
If you suspect that your child suffered a brain injury, it is absolutely critical that you consult with a medical professional. Symptoms are not always obvious or immediate, which is why this type of injury demands the opinion of a doctor or other trained expert.
In addition, remember that the seasoned personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of Dean Petrulakis are here to help. If you have any questions about TBI caused by defective playgrounds, or any other matter relating to personal injury in California, don't hesitate to call us today. We offer free initial consultations!