Don’t Settle For Less

Don’t Settle For Less

Investigation Reveals Many Playground Accidents in New York City Could Be Avoided

On Behalf of | Sep 1, 2015 | Firm News

The local NBC affiliate launched an investigation into the safety of City-owned playgrounds across New York recently and the results may shock you. The investigation uncovered a serious deficiency in the repair and maintenance cycle at City playgrounds that could put hundreds of children in harms ways every day. In fact, the stretch between when a maintenance issue is detected and when it’s finally fixed is often so long that critics say many playground accidents in New York City could be avoided.

The Parks Department is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of all equipment, groundwork, and pathways in City-owned playgrounds. However, when investigators from the NBC affiliate filed a request for data under the Freedom of Information Act, they were given reports showing that, on average, 36 days passed between when a repair “ticket” was opened and when it was closed. And that was on the safety issues requiring “immediate attention.”

An inspection revealed trip and fall hazards (including “multiple 2 ½ inch cracks” in the pavement) at a playground in Brooklyn but it took the City over a year to fix the issues. Similarly, when one City employee noted that multiple “protruding sharp edges” had been noted along a fence at the Conch Playground in Far Rockaway, the issue was not addressed for over 200 days.

Playground accidents in New York City have cost NYC $20 million in over 500 settlements over the past 10 years. These places are meant to be a safe, fun environment and many parents are unaware of the dangers that lurk in their local playgrounds.

If your child has been injured in a playground accident in New York as a result of negligence, the City may be responsible for your child’s injuries. Contact an expert New York City playground accident attorney today. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.

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