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Case study · Public liability
£8,500 Compensation After a Child Was Injured on Faulty Park Equipment
A broken spring on playground equipment in a public park had left sharp metal edges exposed, and our client suffered a deep cut to their leg. The fault had been reported more than two months earlier, but it wasn't repaired and no warnings were put up. NJS Law, the firm behind Injuries Direct, proved the land occupier had failed in their duty of care and secured £8,500 in compensation.
How a known hazard on playground equipment led to a successful public liability claim, and what it means if you or your child has been hurt in a public park.
- Claim type
- Public liability
- Where
- A playground in a public park
- Hazard
- A broken spring leaving sharp metal edges exposed
- Injury
- A deep cut to the leg
- At fault
- The land occupier, who knew about the fault for over two months
What happened
Playgrounds should be safe spaces for families and children. While using play equipment in a local public park, our client fell from the apparatus. But it wasn't the fall itself that caused the injury.
A broken spring on the equipment had left sharp metal edges exposed. When our client came into contact with the damaged apparatus, they suffered a deep cut to the leg.
What the investigation found
An investigation revealed a serious failure in maintenance.
- The broken equipment had been reported more than two months earlier
- No repairs were carried out
- No warning signs or barriers were put in place to protect park users
The impact on our client
- A deep cut to the leg that needed medical treatment
- Pain and distress
- Mobility problems for a time
- Disruption to daily life
Why the claim succeeded
Under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957, those responsible for public land, such as councils or private landowners, have a legal duty to keep visitors reasonably safe.
- A known hazard was left unrepairedThe broken spring was a known safety risk, but the land occupier didn't repair it, fence it off or warn the public.
- The injury was seriousA deep cut to the leg needing medical attention, with pain, distress and disruption to daily life.
- Negligence was clearly provenEvidence confirmed the defect had already been reported, and failing to act was a breach of the duty of care.
- The outcomeCompensation of £8,500.
Every claim is different, and the outcome of your claim will depend on your circumstances.
What this case shows about playground and park injuries
If you or your child has been hurt by faulty equipment or poor maintenance in a public place, these are the points that matter most.
Public land must be kept safe
Councils and landowners have a duty under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 to keep visitors reasonably safe, including on playground equipment.
Reported faults must be acted on
Once a hazard is reported, it should be repaired, fenced off or clearly signed. Here, the fault was ignored for more than two months.
You can claim for your child
A parent or guardian can usually make a claim on a child's behalf, and children have extra time to claim.
What a claim can cover
Pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of earnings, and ongoing care or rehabilitation.
Hurt in a park or public place? Find out if you can claim
Whether your injury is serious or minor, our team will talk it through with you for free and tell you honestly whether you have a claim. Eligible claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis.
- Free, no-obligation first conversation
- No Win No Fee on eligible claims
- Personal injury solicitors at NJS Law
- Clear, supportive guidance throughout your claim
Prefer to talk now? 0330 818 1202
Playground and park injury claims: FAQs
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.
Can I claim on behalf of my child?
Yes. A parent or guardian can usually make a claim on a child's behalf. Any settlement for a child normally needs to be approved by a court, to make sure it's fair.
Do I need proof the hazard was reported?
No, but it helps. In this case, evidence showed the fault had been ignored for more than two months, which made the claim much stronger.
How much compensation can I receive?
Compensation depends on how serious the injury is and how long recovery takes. In this case, our client received £8,500, but amounts vary. See our public liability claims page for typical compensation ranges.
What can a claim cover?
A claim can cover pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of earnings, and ongoing care or rehabilitation.
Is there a time limit for a child's injury claim?
For children, the usual three-year time limit doesn't start until their 18th birthday, so a claim can normally be made at any time before they turn 21. Adults usually have three years from the date of the accident.
Have you or your child been hurt in a public place?
Talk to our personal injury team for free, with no obligation to claim. Eligible claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis.