Israeli Teen Awarded 140,000 Shekels After Injury on Unopened Playground Swing
A 14-year-old boy who was injured after falling from a swing in an unopened park in Julis will receive compensation of approximately 140,000 shekels. The Haifa Magistrate's Court ruled that the local council bears responsibility for the accident, which occurred in March 2023 at a KKL park still under construction near a school. The boy had entered the park with friends despite knowing it was not officially open and that some equipment was incomplete. Seconds after sitting on the swing, its chain broke, causing him to fall and suffer a displaced fracture in his right ankle, requiring hospitalization and surgery.
The boy's lawsuit, represented by attorney Yifat Seri, argued that the park was accessible without warnings or barriers and that the council was negligent in leaving unsafe equipment open to the public. The Julis council denied responsibility, claiming the park had not been officially handed over and access was prohibited. They also filed a third-party claim against the contractor who built the park, who in turn sued the Israeli Standards Institute. However, the court rejected claims against the contractor and Standards Institute, placing primary liability on the council.
Judge Ofer Shoval accepted the boy's testimony and found the council failed to ensure safe equipment or prevent public use before repairs. Despite a prior warning from the Standards Institute to delay operation until maintenance was done, the council did not hire a maintenance company or close the park gate, which remained open even weeks after the accident. The judge assigned 10% contributory negligence to the boy for knowingly entering an unfinished park.
Attorney Seri called the ruling precedent-setting, emphasizing its message that local authorities cannot evade responsibility for playground safety, especially near schools. The Julis council expressed regret over the injury, affirmed respect for the court's decision, and stated it has since improved safety measures and supervision to prevent unauthorized use of incomplete facilities.
