Summer camp is great opportunity for children. It allows children to experience new things, have fun, learn, and socialize while school is out. But summer camp can be risky. Each year, thousands of children suffer serious injuries while at camp. These injuries range from sprained ankles and broken bones to brain injuries to sexual abuse.
If your child is injured at camp, you want to know who is responsible. You will want to be aware of these special considerations that apply when your child is away at summer camp:
- Summer camps have a legal duty to keep the children in their care reasonably safe. A camp has a responsibility to minimize any injury risk.
- A camp should make sure that activities are age-appropriate.
- A camp should make sure that children are properly supervised at all times.
- A camp should perform background checks of all staff members, especially those who will have contact with children.
- A camp should make sure that there is proper safety equipment for all participants.
- A camp is responsible for ensuring that the facilities and equipment are in good shape.
- Counselors should be aware of allergies and special needs.
When a camp neglects its duty, it can be held responsible for any injuries that result. But this doesn’t mean that a camp can be held responsible for all injuries. For instance, football has some intrinsic dangers. When you sign your child up for football camp, you will be asked to sign a waiver absolving the camp for any injuries that occur as a result of the sport.
Every situation is different. A Bloomington personal injury attorney can help you determine who is liable for your child’s Illinois summer camp injury. To schedule a free consultation with an Illinois child injury lawyer, contact Hupy and Abraham at 866-532-4800.