Playgrounds should be safe spaces for families and children, but when playground equipment is poorly maintained, serious injuries can occur. In this case, our client suffered a painful leg injury in a public park accident caused by a broken spring on playground apparatus.
We successfully secured £8,500 compensationafter proving the land occupier had known about the hazard for more than two months and failed to take action.
Playground Accident on Public Land: What Happened?
While using play equipment in a local public park, our client fell from the apparatus. However, it wasn’t the fall itself that caused the injury.
Injury Caused by Exposed Sharp Edges
A broken spring on the playground equipment had left sharp metal edges exposed. When our client came into contact with the damaged apparatus, they suffered a deep laceration to the leg, requiring medical treatment and causing pain, distress, and temporary mobility issues.
An investigation revealed a serious failure in maintenance:
- The broken equipment had been reported over two months earlier
- No repairs were carried out
- No warning signs or barriers were put in place to protect park users
Why This Was a Successful Public Liability Claim
Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, those responsible for the public land – such as councils or private landowners – have a legal duty to keep visitor reasonably safe.
Known Hazard Left Unrepaired
- The broken spring was a known safety risk
- The land occupier failed to repair, isolate, or warn the public
- This inaction directly exposed visitors to danger
Injury and Loss Suffered
- A serious leg injury requiring medical attention
- Pain, emotional distress, and disruption to daily life
Negligence Clearly Proven
- Evidence confirmed the defect had been previously reported
- Failure to act amounted to a breach of duty of care
As a result, we secured £8,500 compensation for our client’s public park injury claim.
Compensation for Playground and Public Park Injuries
If you or your child has been injured due to faulty playground equipment or poor maintenance in a public area, you may be entitled to compensation. Claims can cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Loss of earnings
- Ongoing care or rehabilitation
Read more: Do I have a public liability injury claim?
Choosing the Right Solicitor for Public liability Injury Claims
Public liability claims – especially those involving councils or public spaces can be complex. Choosing the right solicitor is essential.
What to Look for in a Public Injury Solicitor
- Specialist experience in public liability and playground injury claims
- No win,no feerepresentation
- Proven success against councils and land occupiers
- Clear communication and compassionate support throughout your claim
Why Choose NJS Law?
We gather the evidence, value your claim and negotiate with the insurer.
- Rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot from 874 reviews.
- Supportive guidance from start to finish
Contact our injury specialists today to discuss your public liability injury claim
FAQs About Playground and Public Park Injury Claims
Can I claim compensation for an injury in a public park?
Yes. If a park is poorly maintained or equipment is unsafe, the landowner or council may be legally responsible.
Do I need proof the hazard was reported?
No, but it helps. In this case, evidence showed the fault had been ignored for over two months, significantly strengthening the claim.
How much compensation can I receive?
Compensation depends on injury severity and recovery time. In this case, our client received £8,500, but amounts vary.
Learn more in our Public Place Injury Claims Guide
Thinking about a claim? Read about Public Liability Claims and how No Win No Fee works, or send us your enquiry.
No Win No Fee: The law limits our success fee to 25% of the compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity and for past financial losses, after any state benefits are repaid. Compensation for future losses is not counted. If you win, our success fee is deducted from your compensation. It is a percentage of our basic charges, and the law limits it as set out above. Any After the Event insurance premium is payable only if you win, and is never charged upfront. Your letter of engagement sets out exactly what you will pay for your type of claim, and we explain it before you sign. If you lose, you pay us nothing. This applies as long as you keep to your responsibilities under the agreement. You may have to pay costs if you end your claim early, fail to beat an offer the other side made, or a court finds your claim dishonest or exaggerated; where we have arranged After the Event insurance, it covers some of these costs if you keep to the policy's terms. See exactly what you pay.