Playgrounds should provide children and families with a safe environment to play. Still, accidents can happen when equipment is poorly maintained, hazards are left unattended, or those responsible fail to meet their legal duty of care. If you or your child has been injured at a public or private playground in Perth, you may be entitled to claim compensation if someone else’s negligence caused the injury.
As the leading Public Liability Claim Lawyer in Perth, we help injured individuals understand their legal rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. This guide explains how playground accident claims work, who may be responsible, what evidence you should collect, and the steps you can take to protect your claim.
Looking for expert legal advice you can rely on?
Simply fill out the form below and one of our consultants will be in touch to provide you with expert legal advice.
"*" indicates required fields
What Is a Playground Accident Claim?
A playground accident claim is a type of public liability claim that allows an injured person to seek compensation when their injury was caused by unsafe conditions or negligence at a playground.
Playground accident claims may involve injuries sustained in:
- Public parks
- Local council playgrounds
- Schools
- Childcare centres
- Shopping centre play areas
- Indoor play centres
- Community recreation facilities
Simply being injured does not automatically mean you have a claim. You generally need to show that another party failed to take reasonable steps to keep the playground safe.
Common Causes of Playground Accidents
While some accidents are unavoidable, many occur because hazards were not identified or addressed in time.
Common causes include:
Broken or damaged playground equipment
Loose bolts or exposed metal edges
Rotten timber structures
Faulty swings, slides, or climbing frames
Inadequate soft-fall surfaces
Uneven ground or trip hazards
Poor playground maintenance
Missing safety barriers or guardrails
Lack of warning signs around known hazards
Unsafe playground design or installation
Regular inspections and prompt repairs can significantly reduce the risk of these incidents.
Who Can Be Responsible for a Playground Injury?
Responsibility for a playground accident depends on who owned, occupied, or managed the premises at the time of the incident.
In Perth, liability may rest with a local council responsible for maintaining a public park, a school or childcare provider overseeing its playground, a shopping centre operating a children’s play area, or a private business managing an indoor playground.
In some situations, more than one party may share responsibility if multiple organisations had control over the playground’s safety and maintenance.
How Is Negligence Proven?
To make a successful claim, you generally need to show that the responsible party owed you a duty of care, failed to maintain a safe playground, and that this failure directly caused your injury. For example, if damaged equipment was left unrepaired despite being a known hazard, it may indicate negligence.
Evidence Needed To Support Claim?
Evidence helps establish how the accident happened and who may be responsible. Useful evidence includes:
- Photographs of the Hazard and Injuries
- Medical Records
- Witness Details
- Incident Reports
- CCTV Footage
- Receipts for Expenses
Collecting this information as soon as possible can strengthen your claim.
What To Do After a Playground Accident?
Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
Follow this checklist:
1. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
2.Report the accident to the person responsible for the playground.
3. Take photographs of the hazard before it is repaired.
4. Collect witness details if anyone saw the accident.
5. Keep copies of all medical records and receipts.
6. Avoid making assumptions about who was at fault.
7. Speak with an experienced public liability lawyer before accepting any settlement offer.
Early legal advice can help ensure important evidence is preserved.
Get Trusted Legal Advice Today
If you or your child has been injured in a playground caused by someone else’s negligence, CLP Legal can help. Our experienced team can assess your circumstances, explain your rights, and guide you through the claims process.
Contact CLP Legal today for trusted legal advice and experienced support to help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
