Playground Merry-Go-Round Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Playground Merry-Go-Round Lawsuit Overview

Playground merry-go-round lawsuits target BCI Burke for manufacturing defective Inclusive Orbit spinning play components that pose crushing hazards to children.

The primary allegation is that the space between the rotating platform and the stationary outer rim creates a gap that narrows too much during use, leading to serious finger injuries.

According to the CPSC, at least two incidents of fingers being trapped in the gap have been reported, resulting in crushing injuries.

These recalled playground merry-go-rounds were sold to schools, municipalities, and churches across the country, potentially affecting thousands of children who use these playground components.

Latest Playground Merry-Go-Round Lawsuit Updates

• December 26, 2024: BCI Burke initiated a recall of their Inclusive Orbit playground merry-go-rounds due to crushing hazards, with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issuing recall number 25-080. The company is offering free onsite inspections and repairs to address the dangerous gap between the rotating platform and outer rim [1].

CPSC Reports and Statistics

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has provided data regarding the BCI Burke Inclusive Orbit recall and playground safety issues:

• According to the CPSC, two confirmed incidents resulted in finger crushing injuries due to the gap between the rotating platform and the outer rim of the BCI Inclusive Orbit merry-go-rounds.
• The BCI Inclusive Orbit merry-go-rounds were designed to hold up to 6 children at once, significantly increasing the potential number of children at risk.
• CPSC data shows that approximately 200,000 children are treated in U.S. emergency departments for playground equipment-related injuries annually, with about 45% of these injuries classified as severe.
• Rotating equipment like merry-go-rounds account for approximately 8% of all playground injuries, according to playground safety statistics.
• The economic impact of playground injuries is substantial, with direct costs of emergency department-treated injuries estimated at over $1.2 billion annually.

“The space between the rotating platform and the stationary outer rim can leave a gap that narrows too much, posing a crushing hazard to children. The firm has received reports of two incidents of fingers getting trapped in the gap between the rotating platform and the outer rim, resulting in two finger crushing injuries.”- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Playground Merry-Go-Round Injuries & Side Effects

The defective BCI Burke Inclusive Orbit merry-go-rounds have been linked to several types of injuries, with finger crushing being the most commonly reported serious outcome.

• Finger Crushing Injuries: Severe compression of fingers caught in the gap between the rotating platform and outer rim, potentially resulting in fractures, lacerations, or amputation.
• Soft Tissue Damage: Bruising, swelling, and potential permanent damage to tendons, ligaments, and nerves in the affected fingers or hands.
• Bone Fractures: Broken bones in fingers, hands, or wrists from the crushing force or attempts to free trapped limbs.
• Psychological Trauma: Anxiety, fear, and playground avoidance following traumatic injury experiences, particularly in young children.

Do You Qualify for a Playground Merry-Go-Round Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a playground merry-go-round lawsuit if:

• Your child or a loved one was injured while using a BCI Burke Inclusive Orbit merry-go-round (models 560-0042 or 560-0051).
• The injury involved fingers or limbs being caught in the gap between the rotating platform and the outer rim.
• The injury required medical attention, such as emergency room visits, surgery, or ongoing treatment.
• The incident occurred at a public playground, school, church, or other facility that installed the affected merry-go-round models.
• The injury occurred during normal, supervised use of the equipment.

Evidence Required for a Playground Merry-Go-Round Lawsuit

To strengthen your case, you should gather the following evidence:

• Medical records documenting the injuries sustained and treatments received.
• Photographs of the injuries and the playground equipment involved.
• Witness statements from anyone who observed the incident.
• Documentation identifying the playground equipment as a BCI Burke Inclusive Orbit model covered by the recall.
• Incident reports filed with the playground operator, school, or municipality.

Damages You Can Recover

Compensation in a successful playground merry-go-round lawsuit may include:

• Medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Pain and suffering related to the physical injuries and emotional trauma.
• Permanent disability or disfigurement resulting from crushing injuries or amputations.
• Parents’ lost wages for time spent caring for injured children.
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.

Playground Merry-Go-Round Recall Information

The recall of BCI Burke Inclusive Orbit playground merry-go-rounds includes the following details:

• Recall Date: December 26, 2024
• CPSC Recall Number: 25-080
• Affected Models: BCI Burke Inclusive Orbit merry-go-rounds with model numbers 560-0042 or 560-0051
• Units Sold: Exact number not specified, but sold nationwide to municipalities, schools, and churches
• Sales Period: April 2019 through October 2024
• Price Range: Between $11,900 and $14,550 per unit
• Hazard: Crushing hazard due to the gap between the rotating platform and stationary outer rim
• Remedy: Free onsite inspection and repair by BCI Burke

The recalled playground merry-go-rounds have 3 handrails and a seat, designed to hold up to 6 children. The platform surface is flush with the ground surrounding it.

If you encounter one of these units, you should stop using it immediately and contact the owner of the equipment, such as a park director or school principal, to determine if the equipment has been inspected and repaired.

Statute of Limitations for Playground Merry-Go-Round Lawsuits

The timeframe to file a playground injury lawsuit varies by state and is affected by several factors, including:

• Whether the claim is filed on behalf of a minor (which often extends the deadline).
• When the injury was discovered or diagnosed.
• Whether the claim is against a private entity or a government entity (such as a public school or municipal park).

In most states, personal injury claims involving product liability have a statute of limitations of 2-3 years from the date of injury.

However, when claims involve injuries to children, many states toll (pause) the statute of limitations until the child reaches the age of majority (typically 18 years old).

Claims against government entities often have much shorter notice requirements, sometimes as little as 60-180 days to file a formal notice of claim.

Given these complexities, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after a playground injury to ensure compliance with all applicable deadlines.

Related Article: Kids Rocking Sleeper Recall Lawsuit

FAQs

1. What exactly is wrong with the recalled BCI Burke Inclusive Orbit merry-go-rounds?

The recalled merry-go-rounds have a design flaw where the space between the rotating platform and the stationary outer rim creates a gap that narrows too much during use. This gap poses a crushing hazard to children’s fingers and limbs when they become trapped during the rotation of the equipment.

2. How do I know if my child’s school or local playground has one of these recalled merry-go-rounds?

The recalled units are BCI Burke Inclusive Orbit merry-go-rounds with model numbers 560-0042 or 560-0051. They have 3 handrails and a seat, with a platform surface that’s flush with the ground. Contact your school administrator or local parks department to inquire about the equipment and whether it has been inspected following the recall.

3. What should I do if my child was injured by one of these merry-go-rounds?

First, seek immediate medical attention to document and treat the injuries. Then, report the incident to the playground operator and take photos of both the injuries and the equipment. Finally, contact an attorney experienced in product liability cases to discuss your legal options for seeking compensation.

4. What types of compensation might be available for playground injury victims?

Compensation may include coverage for medical expenses, pain and suffering, permanent disability or disfigurement, emotional trauma, and parents’ lost wages. In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available to punish the manufacturer and prevent similar incidents in the future.

5. Who is liable for injuries caused by defective playground equipment?

Potentially liable parties include the manufacturer (BCI Burke), the distributor, the installer of the equipment, and possibly the owner/operator of the playground (school, municipality, church, etc.) if they failed to properly maintain the equipment or respond to the recall.

6. Will filing a lawsuit affect the free repair offered under the recall?

No, the recall remedy (free inspection and repair) is separate from any legal action for injuries. You should still have the equipment repaired through the recall process to prevent future injuries, but this does not affect your right to seek compensation for injuries that occurred before the repair.

7. How long do playground injury lawsuits typically take to resolve?

The timeline varies based on case complexity, jurisdiction, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Many product liability cases settle within 1-2 years, but some may take longer, especially those involving serious injuries to children or multiple plaintiffs.

Get a Free Playground Merry-Go-Round Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Products Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Playground Merry-Go-Round Lawsuits.

We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential case evaluations with no obligation
• No upfront costs or attorney fees
• Payment only if we secure compensation for you

Again, if your child or another loved one was injured by a Playground Merry-Go-Round, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and our product liability lawyers can help.

Reference:

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/BCI-Burke-Recalls-Playground-Merry-Go-Rounds-Due-to-Crush-Hazard