Countless injuries occur as a result of children playing on the playground, in sports or on their bicycles. Sometimes these injuries are minor and a normal part of growing up. But too often, major injuries can occur because of a lack in supervision or maintenance, proper instruction or the carelessness of another person.

Many playground accidents result from improper equipment maintenance. In sports and recreational activities, children may be at risk because their coaches are parent or community volunteers who have not been adequately educated on sports safety. And far too many children are injured on their bicycles because of a negligent driver.

Playground, Sports & Bicycle Injury Statistics

• About 45% of playground injuries are severe fractures, internal injuries, concussions, dislocations and amputations.
• According to a study in New York City, playgrounds in low income areas had more maintenance-related hazards than playgrounds in high-income areas (i.e. trash, rusty play equipment, and damaged fall surfaces).
• Approximately 3 million children and adolescents ages 14 and under get hurt every year playing sports or participating in recreational activities.
• More than 70% of children ages 5 to 14 ride bicycles and account for approximately 21% of all bicycle related deaths, and more than 50% of all bicycle related injuries.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Risks associated with playground, sports and bicycle related injuries include:

• Dehydration in sports
• Playground falls
• Defective toys & equipment
• Head injuries
• Broken bones
• Overuse injuries
• Low insulin levels leading to diabetic shock/coma
• Bicycle traffic accidents

Are you a volunteer coach? Take the NCSS Sports Safety Quiz and educate yourself on sports safety!

If your child has sustained a playground, sports or bicycle injury due to someone else's carelessness, please contact us to discuss your child's rights. Our personal injury attorneys are passionate about the welfare of young people and we're dedicated to fighting on their behalf.

To contact an experienced attorney at Kershaw, Cutter & Ratinoff for a free and confidential case evaluation, please fill out and submit the contact form on this page or call us toll-free at (888) 285-3333.