Our Tennessee Personal Injury Lawyers List Key Evidence for Playground Accident Claims
Imagine it’s a gorgeous day at the local park. Your child is happily going down the slide when they unexpectedly suffer a playground accident, such as cutting their arm on a loose metal shard. Playground owners have a responsibility to keep their equipment safe for children and so may be liable for your child’s injury.
In a situation like this, you may be eligible to file for damages with the help of a Tennessee personal injury lawyer. The GriffithLaw team understands that strong evidence is crucial to securing a positive outcome in a playground accident case. In this article, our legal team shares information about the types of compelling evidence that may be relevant in playground accident cases involving children.
Types of Evidence to Help Build a Strong Playground Accident Case
Playground accidents can cause serious injuries and financial losses, and pursuing legal action can be the best way to get fair compensation after this type of event. If your child is injured in a playground accident, it’s important to document exactly what took place and gather relevant evidence that will help you support your claim. Helpful evidence in a playground accident case includes:
Photos and Videos of the Playground Equipment
It’s important to document the faulty or poorly maintained playground equipment that caused the injury immediately after the incident occurs or as soon afterward as feasible. This is one of the more important steps to take if your child is hurt at a playground.
Take photographs of relevant hazards, such as loose nails or damaged equipment, like broken steps. These photos can serve as evidence to demonstrate the condition of the playground and highlight any unsafe conditions. Photos of signage and weather conditions can also be relevant.
Evidence Supporting the Severity of Injuries Sustained
Just as photos of where the playground accident happened are important, so are photos and evidence of visible injuries sustained in the playground accident. Take the time to document cuts, bruises, scrapes, broken bones, and more severe injuries. If your child’s clothing is torn or bloody, take pictures of that as well.
Eyewitness Statements
Depending on how busy it is at the time, there may have been witnesses to the park or playground accident that caused your child’s injury. Try to get the contact information for any eyewitnesses who may have seen what happened, as well as others who were near the area where the accident happened. Even someone who didn’t witness the accident itself may be able to provide a statement about the conditions that led to your child’s injury.
Medical Records and Expenses
It’s important to seek medical care for your child who was hurt on a playground right away. Be sure to keep copies of all relevant medical records in relation to their immediate and ongoing care. Things like doctor’s notes, records of hospital visits, medical bills, prescriptions for pain medication, and related information can be important evidence. You may be able to recover these expenses, as well as any other relevant out-of-pocket costs, in a personal injury claim.
Incident Reports
It’s also important to retain a copy of any official statements or reports of what happened, as this can provide valuable evidence in support of your claim. For example, a park or school employee may have filed an incident report about the accident. If law enforcement was called to the scene, be sure to get a copy of the police report.
Evidence From Expert Witnesses
Testimony and reports from expert witnesses can serve as incredibly compelling evidence in a playground accident injury case. For example, it can be helpful to have engineering or child safety experts inspect the playground equipment for faulty design, poor maintenance, or lack of repairs and speak to the dangers of hard surfaces on playgrounds.
The resulting reports can serve as evidence of negligence on the part of the property owner or management. Industry experts with specialized knowledge of relevant regulations can weigh in on liability for child entanglement injuries on a playground. Expert witnesses can help to establish fault and hold liable parties responsible for their negligence. Did the equipment adhere to safety standards? Was a lack of preschool supervision the cause of the injury?
Rely on GriffithLaw to Represent Your Interests
Filing a civil claim requires an in-depth understanding of every component of the situation and relevant laws. For example, Tennessee’s modified comparative negligence laws may impact the outcome of your case. Even if your child may be partially to blame for the accident, you may still be eligible for compensation. Similarly, the Tennessee Government Tort Liability Act places restrictions on personal injury claims against government bodies like park boards.
Fortunately, you don't have to navigate the complexities of mounting a successful playground accident case on your own. The GriffithLaw team has the experience to explain these complex legal principles in terms you can understand and fight for the fair compensation you and your child deserve.
When you hire us to represent you, we will work diligently to gather, secure, and present evidence that supports your claim. From engaging industry experts to provide insightful testimony to securing official documents from park officials and regulatory bodies, we will be with you every step of the way. That's why we have a track record of getting results for our clients. With compelling evidence and sound legal strategy, we will fight to hold liable parties accountable for their negligence.
