Teenager injured on swing in unfinished park awarded 140,000 shekels in damages
The court ruled that the Julis local council is liable for the accident due to negligence in securing the site. The teenager was assigned 10% contributory negligence for entering the park despite knowing it was under construction.
A teenager who suffered an ankle injury after a swing collapsed in a park under construction will receive 140,000 shekels in compensation. The Haifa Magistrate's Court ruled that the local council of Julis bears responsibility for the accident.
The incident occurred in March 2023 at a KKL park located near a school. According to the 14-year-old plaintiff, the swing chain detached shortly after he sat down, leading to a displaced fracture that required surgery. The lawsuit, filed by attorney Yifat Sari, argued that the park was accessible to the public without warning signs or barriers.
The local council denied liability, claiming the park had not been officially handed over and that access was prohibited. It also attempted to shift blame to the contractor and the Standards Institution of Israel. However, Judge Ofer Shoval dismissed these claims, ruling that the council failed to ensure the facility was safe. The court highlighted that the park gates remained open even after the accident.
The judge assigned 10% contributory negligence to the teenager, noting his testimony that he was aware the park was still under construction. Attorney Yifat Sari welcomed the ruling, stating: "The court sent a clear message to local authorities: they cannot evade their responsibility for maintaining playground facilities." The Julis local council stated it respects the verdict, expressed regret for the injury, and noted that it has since implemented stricter safety and supervision protocols for public spaces.
