If your child suffered an injury due to negligence, it could be devastating to your entire family. If someone else was liable for the accident,…
Claim compensation for playground accidents
If you or your child have been injured in a playground accident, contact us to find out if you can make a no win no fee playground accident claim.
We are a claims management company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Playground Accident Claims
If your child has been injured on a playground due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to make a playground accident claim on their behalf.
Playgrounds should be safe spaces where children can play, have fun and socialise. However, when playgrounds are not adequately supervised or maintained, accidents can occur, and the consequences can be life-changing.
If your child has been hurt in a playground accident, it is important to understand that you may have a legal right to make a claim against the liable party. This could be the local council, a school, or a business.
For a free initial assessment with a specialist playground accident solicitor, call 0800 470 0474 today or use our online claim form to request a call back. They will let you know if you can start a claim and answer any questions you have about the process.
Key points about playground accident claims
- Can I claim?
If your child was injured in a playground accident due to poor maintenance, inadequate supervision or faulty equipment, you may be able to make a claim on their behalf. - Who is responsible?
Responsibility may lie with a local authority, school, nursery or private business depending on who operates the playground and whether they failed to meet safety duties. - How long do I have?
You can claim on behalf of a child at any point before they turn 18. After that, they have three years from their 18th birthday to start a claim themselves. - How much can I claim?
The amount of compensation depends on the type and severity of the injury, as well as the impact on your child’s daily life, pain and suffering, and any financial losses. - Will I have to pay legal fees?
Your solicitor will provide a no win no fee service. This means you won’t have to pay any fee unless the claim is successful.
If you would like to speak to a legal adviser about making a claim, call free on 0800 470 0474 or click here to request a call back.
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Table of Contents
What is a playground accident compensation claim?
Playground accidents are common, and around 40,000 children need medical treatment each year due to playground injuries, according to statistics from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
If a child is injured on a playground and this happens due to someone else’s negligence, a parent or another suitable adult could make a playground accident claim on their behalf. This allows them to secure compensation for the child’s pain, suffering, medical care and any other related costs.
This guide will explain how you can make a personal injury claim for your child, how much compensation you could be entitled to and the time limits to start legal proceedings.
Am I eligible to make a playground accident claim?
If your child had an accident in a playground, you may be able to claim compensation on their behalf. A no win no fee solicitor will take on your case if the following can be established:
- Another party owed your child a duty of care.
- They breached their duty through negligence.
- As a result, your child suffered an injury in a playground.
Therefore, if it can be proven that your child’s injuries were due to someone else’s negligence, they may be entitled to compensation. Since your child won’t be able to represent themselves, a solicitor will help you claim compensation on their behalf.
Who is responsible for playground accident compensation?
Various parties could be responsible for a playground injury compensation claim, depending on the accident circumstances:
The local council
Local authorities are typically liable for public playground accident claims resulting from poorly maintained equipment, inadequate safety measures or a failure to address known hazards.
A school
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, schools owe a duty of care to children on their premises, including playground areas. Liability may arise if a playground accident occurs due to inadequate supervision, unsafe equipment or poor maintenance.
A business owner
Private playground owners, such as theme parks, garden centres, or restaurants, must keep their play area safe for children under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. They could be liable for any injuries caused by poorly maintained equipment or other hazards.
A manufacturer or distributor of playground equipment
If a child is injured due to faulty playground equipment, such as a design flaw or lack of safety warnings, the manufacturer or distributor may be liable under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.
A dog owner
Dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets in public spaces. If a dog attacks and injures a child at a playground, the dog’s owner could be liable for the injuries sustained.
What is the time limit to start a playground accident claim?
As a general rule, you have three years to start a claim under the Limitation Act 1980. However, claims on behalf of children are not bound by a three-year time limit.
Instead, a parent, legal guardian, or another suitable litigation friend can make a child injury claim at any time before their 18th birthday, regardless of when the incident occurred.
If a child has suffered an injury and no claim is made on their behalf, they have three years to claim compensation themselves once they turn 18. This gives them until 21 to do so.
How much compensation can I claim for a playground accident?
The amount of compensation awarded for playground injuries will vary from case to case, depending on the type and severity of the injuries and their impact on the child’s life. Your claim will include two types of damages:
Special damages. This part of the compensation will aim to cover all the past and expected future financial losses and expenses related to the accident. Examples include:
- Prescriptions and private treatments.
- Medical aids and rehabilitation.
- Counselling for any psychological damage.
- Cost of care and assistance with daily living, even if provided by you.
- The cost of tutors if your child needs to be home-schooled.
General damages. These aim to cover the injuries suffered by your child and their impact on their health and well-being, such as:
- Physical and emotional pain and discomfort.
- Physical and mental disability.
- Impaired development.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- Impact on hobbies and social interactions.
Examples of playground injury compensation payments
The compensation award for general damages is based on medical records and the Judicial College guidelines. According to these and our online compensation calculator, you could receive:
| Injury Type | Average Payout |
|---|---|
| Minor head injury with complete recovery | £2,690 to £15,580 |
| A rotator cuff tear or a fractured humerus that needs surgery | £10,890 to £16,380 |
| Moderate back injury that leads to long-term pain and mobility issues | £11,730 to £36,390 |
| Chest injury, such as a penetrating wound, that does not affect lung function | £15,370 to £21,920 |
| Severe shoulder dislocations with nerve damage and sensory problems | £15,580 to £23,430 |
| Ankle injuries, such as minor fractures or ligament damage | Up to £16,770 |
| An arm injury, such as a simple or complex fracture, with substantial recovery | £23,430 to £47,810 |
| Wrist injury leading to permanent disability and loss of function | £29,900 to £47,810 |
| Severe leg injuries causing long-term disability and restricted movement | £66,920 to £109,290 |
| Serious injury to the brain with profound disability that needs constant care | £344,150 to £493,000 |
How do I make a personal injury claim on behalf of my child?
To make a playground injury claim on behalf of your child, the first thing you need to do is speak with a specialist solicitor. They will offer you a no-obligation consultation to assess your case and your entitlement to compensation.
If you can proceed with a claim, your solicitor will guide you through the next steps, which are:
- Apply to the court to act as your child’s litigation friend and make decisions on their behalf.
- Gather evidence to prove negligence and losses.
- Assess your child’s injuries and their long-term care needs.
- Send a claim notification form to the defendant.
- Negotiate your compensation award if they admit fault for the accident.
- Argue your claim in court if they deny liability.
- Receive your compensation payment.
As a litigation friend, you must make decisions that are in the child’s best interests, deal with correspondence, and sign legal documents. You can read more about this process here: What is a litigation friend?
Can I make a no win no fee playground accident claim?
Yes. If you have a valid claim for playground accident compensation, you will be offered a no win no fee agreement. Your solicitor will not ask for an upfront payment, and they will take on the risk of litigation.
Furthermore, you will not have to pay any fees during the claims process or if you lose the case. If you win, your solicitor will receive a success fee that will be deducted from your compensation award. This fee is capped at 25% and will be agreed upon from the beginning.
What evidence will I need to support a playground injury claim?
If you want to claim compensation for a playground accident, you will need various types of evidence to demonstrate the negligence or unsafe conditions that caused it. You also need proof of the injuries sustained and their impact on your child and your family.
Strong evidence can significantly improve the chances of a successful claim. This could include:
- Medical records detailing the child’s injuries, treatment and prognosis.
- Reports from expert witnesses, such as safety inspectors or medical professionals.
- Clear photos or videos of the accident scene and any visible hazards.
- CCTV footage from nearby security cameras.
- Witness statements and your own testimony.
- Accident reports made with the local council or playground operator.
- Maintenance and inspection records.
- Proof of financial losses, such as payslips and invoices.
Common causes of playground accidents involving children
Playground accident claims commonly involve slips, trips and falls on the same level, falls from height, faulty equipment and entrapment injuries. These can occur when owners and occupiers fail in their legal duty to keep the premises safe for visitors, making them liable for any resulting injuries.
Playground accidents commonly arise from preventable hazards and negligence, such as:
- Falls from climbing frames, slides or swings.
- Broken, loose or faulty playground equipment.
- Slips and trips on uneven, wet or broken pavements.
- Entrapment involving loose ropes, gaps or moving parts.
- Insufficient adult supervision.
- Inadequate equipment layout or a lack of safety mats.
- A lack of safety barriers or warning signs.
Common playground injuries in children
Each of the above playground accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from cuts and bruises to severe brain trauma. The severity of each injury will determine how much playground accident compensation you could secure for your child.
- Laceration injuries and permanent scarring from falls or contact with sharp objects.
- Head injuries ranging from mild bumps to skull fractures and more severe brain trauma.
- Broken bones and dislocations can result from falls or high-impact collisions.
- Facial injuries involving damage to the eyes, nose or teeth.
- Abdominal trauma and damage to organs from puncture wounds or severe falls.
- Crush injuries from entrapment or equipment collapses.
- Leg injuries, from minor sprains and strains to severe fractures and amputations.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. This is a common scenario leading to children’s playground accident claims. Schools have a duty of care under the Education Act 2002 and other legislation and must take measures to protect the health, safety and well-being of children while on the school premises.
If your child was injured at school due to inadequate supervision, faulty equipment or another breach of duty, you may be entitled to make a school accident claim on their behalf.
You may be able to claim compensation for playground injuries caused by another child if you can prove negligence by a supervising adult or organisation. If the harm was intentional, you may also have other legal options depending on the circumstances.
We advise you to consult with a specialist playground accident solicitor as soon as possible to understand your options and pursue your claim effectively.
If you suffered an injury while accompanying your child to the playground, and this was due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to claim compensation. The duty of care of playground owners and occupiers extends to all visitors on their premises, not just children.
Examples of accidents for which you could claim compensation include slips, trips and falls due to uneven ground, lacerations from broken playground equipment or falls from broken benches or swings.
Yes. If your child suffered a severe injury due to someone else’s negligence, and you had to take time off work to look after them during recovery, you may be able to include loss of earnings in the child’s accident claim.
This may include your regular wages, lost overtime, bonuses, and, if applicable, future loss of earnings. If you received sick pay during your time off work, this will be deducted from your claim.
If your child is awarded personal injury compensation following a playground accident, the money is protected until they turn 18. In most cases, the funds will be kept in a Court Funds Office account where they will earn interest until your child reaches adulthood.
Alternatively, your solicitor may help you set up a personal injury trust in their name. If you need money before the child’s 18th birthday, whether for treatment or education, you can apply to the court for an early release of funds.
If your child has been injured in a playground accident and you want to start a compensation claim, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. If you are eligible to make a claim, having a solicitor on your side brings numerous advantages, such as:
- A no win no fee service.
- Expert advice and representation every step of the way.
- A free initial consultation and regular updates about the case.
- An independent medical review to assess any long-term care needs of your child.
- Help with gathering all the necessary evidence to support your claim.
- They will handle all communication and negotiations on your behalf.
- A commitment to securing the maximum compensation you may be entitled to.
