Playgrounds should be safe spaces for children to learn, play, and grow — not places where preventable injuries occur. At Grover Law Firm, our lawyers understand the pain and frustration parents feel when a child is hurt due to unsafe playground conditions or lack of supervision. When a school, daycare, or municipal park fails to maintain a safe environment, parents have the legal right to pursue compensation for their child’s injuries.
Understanding Playground Injuries and Liability
Every year, thousands of children in Alberta suffer injuries on playgrounds. While some are minor scrapes or bruises, others lead to serious consequences like broken bones, concussions, or spinal injuries. In many cases, these injuries occur because a responsible party, such as a school board or city maintenance department, failed to take reasonable precautions.
Liability for playground injuries can depend on several factors:
- The location of the accident (public park, school, or private property)
- Who owns or maintains the equipment
- Whether proper supervision was provided
- The safety and maintenance condition of the playground structures
A personal injury lawyer can help determine who is legally responsible and what evidence is needed to support your claim.
Common Causes of Playground Injuries
Playground accidents often result from a combination of unsafe conditions and human error. Common causes include:
- Poor maintenance: Broken swings, loose bolts, sharp edges, and cracked slides can cause serious harm.
- Inadequate supervision: Teachers or staff members who fail to watch children closely can be held accountable if their negligence leads to injury.
- Unsafe surfaces: Hard concrete or poorly padded surfaces increase the risk of severe injury when a child falls.
- Defective equipment: Manufacturers or installers of faulty playground equipment may share liability for resulting injuries.
- Clutter or debris: Trash, tree roots, or construction materials left near play areas can create unnecessary hazards.
When these conditions are ignored, the responsible parties may be liable for the injuries that follow.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Determining liability in a playground injury claim can be complex. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may share responsibility:
Schools and School Boards
If your child was injured during recess or a school activity, the school and its governing board may be liable. They are required to provide adequate supervision, conduct regular safety inspections, and remove or repair any hazardous equipment. Failing to meet these duties could constitute negligence under Alberta law.
Municipalities and Park Authorities
Public parks are managed by city or provincial authorities who have a legal duty to maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition. If poor maintenance, damaged surfaces, or unsafe designs contributed to the injury, the municipality could be held responsible.
Equipment Manufacturers or Installers
When a defect in the design or construction of playground equipment causes harm, the manufacturer or installation company may be liable under product liability laws.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can evaluate all potential defendants to ensure every liable party is included in your claim.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Playground Injury
If your child is injured, taking the right steps early can make a major difference in your case. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even minor injuries should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out hidden trauma.
- Report the incident. Notify school administrators or park officials and ensure an incident report is completed.
- Document the scene. Take photos or videos of the playground equipment, surfaces, and any visible injuries.
- Collect witness information. Get names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident happen.
- Preserve medical records. Keep all medical bills, treatment notes, and discharge summaries.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters. They may try to minimize your claim before you fully understand its value.
- Contact Grover Law Firm. We can guide you through the claims process and help you build a strong case for compensation.
Compensation for Playground Injury Claims
Families pursuing a personal injury claim for a playground injury may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages. These include:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, follow-up visits, medication, and physical therapy.
- Lost income: For parents who must miss work to care for an injured child.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the child’s physical and emotional distress.
- Long-term care needs: Ongoing rehabilitation or counseling for serious or permanent injuries.
- Future medical treatment: For surgeries or therapy required after the initial recovery.
Grover Law Firm will assess every aspect of your child’s situation to ensure no losses are overlooked.
Filing a Claim: What to Expect
In Alberta, most personal injury claims, including those for playground injuries, must be filed within two years of the incident. However, parents should not delay — evidence can disappear quickly, and witness memories fade over time.
Your lawyer will:
- Conduct a full investigation into how the injury occurred.
- Gather maintenance records, safety inspection reports, and witness statements.
- Work with medical professionals to establish the extent of the child’s injuries.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
The goal is to ensure your child receives the compensation they deserve for both immediate and long-term effects.
Preventing Future Playground Injuries
While no parent can prevent every accident, schools and municipalities can take proactive measures to reduce risks:
- Conduct routine inspections and maintenance.
- Replace outdated or defective equipment.
- Ensure adequate staff supervision during school hours.
- Use soft landing surfaces like rubber mats or wood chips.
- Post clear age-appropriate usage signs.
Holding negligent parties accountable not only supports your family’s recovery but also encourages safer environments for all children.
Talk to Grover Law Firm About Your Child’s Playground Injury
If your child was hurt on a playground in Calgary or anywhere in Alberta, you do not have to handle the legal process alone. Grover Law Firm is here to investigate, gather evidence, and pursue fair compensation for your family. Our experienced team understands both personal injury and municipal liability claims — and we’ll fight to ensure your child’s rights are protected.
Call (403) 253 1029 today for a free consultation.