How the Inclusive Orbit Merry-Go-Round Recall Exposes Serious Safety Risks
Playground equipment is designed to bring joy and safe outdoor activities to children. However, the Inclusive Orbit merry-go-round, recalled in December 2024, has raised serious concerns for parents, schools, and municipalities alike. This spinning play component was intended to promote inclusive play for children but has instead been linked to crushing injuries due to a dangerous design flaw.
The hazard stems from the gap between the rotating platform and the stationary outer rim. This gap, which narrows significantly during use, has already resulted in two reported incidents of children's fingers being trapped and crushed. These injuries underscore the importance of prioritizing safety in playground equipment and highlight the devastating consequences of a seemingly minor design oversight.
Manufactured by Playdale Playgrounds in the United Kingdom and imported by BCI Burke Company in Wisconsin, the Inclusive Orbit merry-go-round was sold between April 2019 and October 2024. Priced between $11,900 and $14,550, approximately 415 units were distributed across the United States, with an additional six units sold in Canada.
The recall calls for immediate cessation of use and repair of the affected units. BCI Burke is offering free onsite inspections and repairs to address the issue. However, for many families already affected by injuries, this remedy comes too late.
How the Inclusive Orbit Merry-Go-Round Causes Harm
The Inclusive Orbit merry-go-round’s design flaw poses a direct threat to children’s safety. The narrowing gap between the rotating platform and the stationary outer rim creates an unavoidable crushing hazard. Children using the equipment face the risk of having their fingers trapped, leading to severe injuries.
Reports have confirmed two separate incidents where children sustained finger-crushing injuries. These cases demonstrate how quickly a moment of play can turn into a traumatic and painful experience. Such injuries can have long-term physical and emotional consequences, especially for young victims who may require medical intervention or therapy.
The harm extends beyond physical injuries. Parents who witness their child being injured often feel a sense of betrayal by the manufacturers and entities responsible for ensuring the safety of the equipment. Municipalities, schools, and churches that purchased and installed these merry-go-rounds also bear the weight of potential liability for failing to detect and address the risks earlier.
Legal Recourse for Victims of Playground Equipment Injuries
When a product like the Inclusive Orbit merry-go-round causes harm, victims and their families have the right to hold manufacturers accountable through legal action. Filing a product liability lawsuit offers a path toward justice and compensation for those affected.
Why Legal Action is Necessary
Victims of defective playground equipment often face significant challenges in recovering from injuries. Medical bills for surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation can add up quickly. Additionally, the emotional toll of an injury on a child can lead to psychological counseling expenses.
By pursuing legal action, victims can demand accountability from manufacturers like BCI Burke and Playdale Playgrounds. These lawsuits not only seek compensation for the injured but also push for greater safety standards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Lawsuit Process
The process of filing a lawsuit begins with a detailed consultation to evaluate the facts of the case. An attorney will review medical records, eyewitness accounts, and evidence related to the defective merry-go-round. Once the case is filed, the legal team will gather further evidence through discovery, often including internal documents from the manufacturer that may reveal negligence or a failure to address known risks.
Most cases resolve through settlements, where manufacturers agree to compensate victims without proceeding to trial. However, some cases may go to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Why an Attorney is Essential
Product liability cases are complex, requiring extensive legal and technical knowledge. An attorney experienced in handling playground equipment injury cases can identify critical evidence, navigate the legal process, and advocate effectively for fair compensation. Without legal representation, victims risk facing aggressive corporate defense teams intent on minimizing liability.
Damages Recoverable in Playground Injury Lawsuits
Victims of the Inclusive Orbit merry-go-round injuries may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical needs related to the injury.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for parents who must take time off work to care for an injured child.
- Pain and Suffering: Acknowledgment of the emotional and physical trauma experienced by the child and their family.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, courts may award additional damages to deter similar misconduct by manufacturers in the future.
Contact Parker Waichman LLP for a Free Case Review
If your child has been injured by the Inclusive Orbit merry-go-round or other defective playground equipment, Parker Waichman LLP is here to help. Our nationally recognized law firm is committed to holding negligent manufacturers accountable and securing justice for families across the United States.
Contact Parker Waichman LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) to speak with our dedicated legal team and explore your legal options. We’re here to fight for your family’s rights and ensure that responsible parties are held accountable. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.