Playground Hazards and Who Is to Blame When a Child Is Hurt
When a child is injured on a playground, responsibility depends on the cause and who owns the site. Liability can fall on a property owner or school for poor maintenance, a public agency for hazardous conditions, an equipment manufacturer for a defect, or a supervising adult for negligence. Claims against public entities in California have short deadlines—often a six-month government claim (Government Code §911.2).
What causes playground injuries?
The most common causes are falls onto hard surfaces, defective or broken equipment, improper installation or maintenance, inadequate protective surfacing, sharp edges and pinch points, and lack of supervision. Many serious injuries trace back to missing or worn safety surfacing under climbing structures.
Who can be held responsible?
Potentially responsible parties include the public agency or school district that operates a public playground, a private property owner, the equipment manufacturer (for a design or manufacturing defect), and an installer or maintenance contractor. Identifying the right defendant early is critical because deadlines differ.
Why the deadline matters for public playgrounds
If the playground is owned by a public entity—a city, county, or school district—you must usually file a government claim within six months of the injury (Government Code §911.2) before you can sue. Missing this deadline can bar the claim, so act quickly.
Injured and not sure what your claim is worth?
Get a Free ConsultationNo Win, No Fee · (213) 320-1001
Quick Reference
| Responsible party | When |
|---|---|
| Public agency / school district | Dangerous condition of public property (6-month claim) |
| Private property owner | Poor maintenance / supervision |
| Equipment manufacturer | Design or manufacturing defect |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is liable if my child is hurt on a public playground?
A public agency or school district can be liable for a dangerous condition of public property, but you must generally file a government claim within six months (Government Code §911.2). An equipment manufacturer may also be liable for a defect.
What if the playground equipment was defective?
If a design or manufacturing defect caused the injury, the equipment manufacturer can be held strictly liable under California product-liability law, in addition to any premises claim.
How long do I have to bring a playground injury claim?
Two years for most personal-injury claims, but only six months to file a government claim if a public entity owns the playground. Deadlines for a minor can differ, so get advice promptly.
Written & legally reviewed by Compass Law Group partners
Joseph Shirazi
Managing Partner, Compass Law Group, LLP
California State Bar #265403 · Loyola Law School, J.D.
Joseph Shirazi is the Managing Partner of Compass Law Group, LLP, leading the firm’s personal-injury, catastrophic-injury, and wrongful-death trial practice. He authored the analysis on this page.
Profiles: Avvo · Super Lawyers · Justia · LinkedIn · CA State Bar · Full Bio →
Simon Esfandi
Partner & Co-Founder, Compass Law Group, LLP
California State Bar #275307 · Loyola Law School, J.D.
Simon Esfandi is a Partner and Co-Founder of Compass Law Group, LLP. He reviewed this page for legal accuracy. Compass represents California injury victims on a No Win, No Fee basis.
Profiles: Avvo · Super Lawyers · Justia · LinkedIn · CA State Bar · Full Bio →
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This article is legal information, not legal advice.
Injured and not sure what your claim is worth?
Get a Free ConsultationNo Win, No Fee · (213) 320-1001
