Can I Sue After My Child Was Injured at Summer Camp?

 Posted on June 22, 2024 in Catastrophic Injuries

Sending your child away to a summer camp or day camp in Illinois can be stressful, especially if your child is visiting a summer camp for the first time. At summer and day camps, staff are responsible for the safety of the children in their care. However, accidents and injuries do happen, and these incidents can result in serious consequences for your child.

If your child was injured at an Illinois summer camp, you may be able to pursue a claim against the responsible party. Speaking with a knowledgeable Illinois catastrophic injury lawyer is key to understanding your legal options.

Summer Camp Injuries Can Be Catastrophic

At a summer camp, your child is likely to spend lots of time outdoors swimming, hiking, playing sports, and exploring personal interests. While summer and day camps can be a fun way for your child to learn and engage in new experiences, this unfamiliar territory can also lead to risk. These risks are increased when summer camp staff and organizers are negligent in the care of your child.

Catastrophic injuries can occur when children are left unattended, when a facility is poorly maintained, or when staff do not responsibly care for children. Abusive behavior may also be present at a summer camp and contribute to serious injuries.

Common catastrophic incidents that can occur at summer camps include:

• Anaphylactic allergic reactions due to staff handling food incorrectly

• Animal attacks or accidents that result in broken bones, lacerations, and scarring

• Swimming pool or recreational sports accidents that lead to head, neck, back, or spinal cord injuries, including paralysis

• Heatstroke that goes untreated, leading to serious health complications or even wrongful death

• Severe sunburns that lead to blistering, dehydration, skin infection, and scarring

Can I Pursue a Claim Even If I Signed a Waiver?

Many summer camps and day camps will ask you to sign a waiver before your child is eligible to participate in the camp. This waiver will generally state that the camp is not liable if your child is injured. However, in cases where a child is injured due to negligence, recklessness, or intentional acts, the liability waiver is likely unenforceable.

Summer and day camp staff have a duty to ensure your child is safe while at the camp, and violating this duty may make them liable for your child’s injuries. This means that you may be able to pursue your claim even if a waiver has been signed.

Contact a Rockford, IL Injury to a Child Lawyer

When your child experiences a serious injury at a summer camp, your first step should be contacting an experienced Winnebago County, IL catastrophic injury attorney. Our attorneys at Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, are highly experienced with catastrophic injury cases, and we will provide you with the dedicated and compassionate representation you need.

Call 815-215-7561 for a free consultation.