Dangerous Playground Equipment - Verdict

We represented the parents of an elementary school student who suffered a deep laceration to her forehead on playground equipment in disrepair. Through investigation, we discovered that the playground equipment where our young client fell was decades old and contained multiple worn areas that were sharp enough to cut paper. The clients were turned down by other law firms who specialized in injury cases. Ultimately, they found us, and we brought the case against the Lawrence County Board of Education. We alleged that the school failed to perform basic maintenance on the equipment despite policies requiring regular inspection and maintenance. We did not allege any economic damages. Instead, we focused on the effects that a small scar left on the child’s forehead will have on her emotionally. The insurance company for the school offered to settle the case for $12,000, which we declined. In 2024, we proceeded to trial and obtained a judgment for $120,000.