Summer Camp Accidents

With over 12,000 summer camps operating throughout the country, over 6 million children participate in day or overnight camps each year. Summer camp is an excellent way for parents to keep their kids active and entertained while school is out. With camps providing adventures for children of all ages, there is no doubt that lots of unforgettable memories are made. However, serious accidents and resulting injuries can devastate children’s camping experiences and lead to permanent disfigurements, pain and suffering, and even life-long disabilities.

Common Types Of Summer Camp Mishaps

Summer camp allows children the opportunity to try new things and enjoy the great outdoors. Most people associate camp with bonfires, kickball tournaments, archery practice, and scavenger hunts, not to mention swimming at the pool or lake. Along with all the fun also comes its fair share of risks. There are numerous dangers which your child could encounter. The most common incidents that result in severe injuries at camp include:

1) Water-related catastrophes and drownings;
2) Fire hazards and burns;
3) Slip and falls;
4) Playground accidents;
5) Heatstroke or severe sunburn;
6) Child physical and sexual abuse;
7) Animal or snake bites; and
8) Bus crashes.

Who Is Responsible For Keeping Your Child Safe?

Although there are some inherent risks involved with spending time in nature, most summer camp accidents can be avoided when proper safety rules are followed. Generally, camps accept responsibility for keeping attending children free from unnecessary accidents and injuries. Summer camps have a legal obligation to minimize any risks of injury by ensuring that all activities are safe and adequate supervision is provided. Additionally, camps have a responsibility to perform background checks on all staff. Camp administrators should verify that the staff members, especially ones that come into contact with the children, have no criminal history. Administrators should also watch out for red flags like child abuse, sexual misconduct, and any other inappropriate behavior. Camps can be held liable for failing to perform background checks or supervising the staff. Some other examples of camp negligence may include:

1) Exposing campers to hazardous conditions in the cabins or tents;
2) Failing to sufficiently train the staff;
3) Inadequate supervision, especially during activities like canoeing, swimming, and climbing;
4) Failing to provide or adequately service safety equipment; and
5) Neglecting to secure dangerous conditions, such as fire pits or pools.

It is important to keep in mind that summer camps are not automatically liable for all injuries suffered. Whether or not the camp can be held accountable depends on details surrounding your child’s accident and injuries.

Elite Summer Camp Accident Lawyers That You Can Count On!

If your child has been seriously injured at a summer camp, please get in touch with the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his battle-tested personal injury attorneys have the expertise and knowledge to advocate on behalf of your injured child and hold the summer camp liable. You can see our Google 5 Star rating and clients’ testimonials by clicking here. Please call our seasoned team at 716-839-3939 to set up a confidential, no-obligation consultation.