What You Need to Know About the Inclusive Orbit Merry-Go-Round Recall and Your Legal Rights

Playgrounds are meant to be places of joy, adventure, and safety for children. However, when defective equipment makes its way into parks and schools, the results can be devastating. The recent recall of the Inclusive Orbit Merry-Go-Round underscores the potential dangers of defective playground equipment. If your child has been injured while using this recalled product, it’s often vital to understand your legal rights to seek justice and compensation.

Why Was the Inclusive Orbit Merry-Go-Round Recalled?

The Inclusive Orbit Merry-Go-Round was designed to provide an accessible and inclusive play experience for children of all abilities. Unfortunately, safety concerns prompted its recall after reports of injuries linked to its use. Specific issues that led to the recall include:

• Structural Defects: Reports indicate that the equipment may collapse or break under normal use, leading to falls or crushing injuries.
• Installation Flaws: Improper installation or inadequate anchoring has caused the merry-go-round to become unstable, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Design Oversights: Sharp edges and pinch points have been cited as contributing factors to injuries, putting children at additional risk.

In response to these dangers, the manufacturer issued a recall, urging playground operators to remove the equipment immediately to prevent further incidents.

Common Injuries Linked to Defective Playground Equipment

Children using defective playground equipment, such as the Inclusive Orbit Merry-Go-Round, can suffer a range of injuries, including:

• Broken Bones: Fractures in arms, legs, or wrists often result from falls or sudden collapses.
• Concussions or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries can occur if a child falls from the merry-go-round or is struck by a malfunctioning part.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Sharp edges on the equipment can lead to deep cuts requiring stitches.
• Crush Injuries: Fingers, hands, or feet can be crushed by moving parts or collapsing structures.
• Spinal Injuries: Falls from significant heights or onto hard surfaces can result in serious back or spinal cord injuries.

These injuries can have lasting physical and emotional impacts, often requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.

What to Do if Your Child Was Injured

If your child was injured while using the Inclusive Orbit Merry-Go-Round, taking prompt action can protect their well-being and your family’s legal rights. Follow these essential steps:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your child’s health is the top priority. A medical evaluation can identify and treat injuries, even those that are not immediately visible.
2. Report the Incident: Notify the playground operator, school, or facility manager about the accident. Ensure they create an incident report and request a copy for your records.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the playground, focusing on the merry-go-round, any visible defects, and the surrounding area.
4. Preserve Evidence: Keep your child’s clothing, shoes, or any personal items involved in the accident as they may serve as valuable evidence.
5. Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer: Seek legal guidance to explore your options for pursuing compensation and holding the responsible parties accountable.

Understanding Product Liability and Negligence

Injuries caused by defective playground equipment like the Inclusive Orbit Merry-Go-Round often fall under product liability law. To succeed in a product liability claim, your attorney must generally demonstrate:

• The Product Was Defective: The equipment’s design, manufacturing, or installation posed an unreasonable risk to users.
• The Defect Caused the Injury: Your child’s injuries must be directly linked to the defect in the product.
• You Suffered Damages: Medical expenses, emotional distress, and other losses resulting from the injury must be clearly demonstrated.

Potentially liable parties include:

• The Manufacturer: Responsible for producing safe and reliable equipment.
• The Distributor or Retailer: Accountable for selling or distributing unsafe products.
• The Playground Operator: Liable for failing to promptly remove recalled or defective equipment from their premises.

How an Experienced Product Liability Lawyer Can Help

Pursuing a Florida product liability claim can be complex, especially when dealing with manufacturers, distributors, or large corporations. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable support by:

• Investigating the Incident: Gathering evidence such as maintenance records, recall notices, and witness statements to build a strong case.
• Consulting with Experts: Engaging safety and engineering experts to evaluate the product’s defects.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Fighting to help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
• Representing You in Court: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can present a compelling case in court.

Potential Compensation for Victims

If your product liability claim is successful, you may be entitled to recover various damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical bills related to your child’s injuries.
• Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Compensation for physical therapy, counseling, or other necessary treatments.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced by your child.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for your child’s inability to participate in activities they once enjoyed.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

If your child was injured by the Inclusive Orbit Merry-Go-Round or other defective playground equipment, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin is here to help. Our team has extensive experience handling product liability and personal injury cases and is committed to protecting your family’s rights. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. Call us at (800) 337-7755 or visit www.jasonturchin.com to learn more.