Summer Camps: What Happens When Your Child Is Injured At Camp?

As Florida personal injury lawyers, and parents ourselves, we understand the mix of excitement and worry that summer camps bring. Whether your child is heading off to sleepaway camp for several weeks or attending a local day camp, one question is always top of mind: Will my child be safe? If you are in the horrible situation of your child being injured at camp, our Tampa, FL premises liability lawyer is here to help.

Unfortunately, any time you entrust your child to someone else’s care, safety is not guaranteed. While most camps work hard to create fun and secure environments, we’ve seen firsthand how negligence or poor planning can lead to serious injuries, turning a joyful summer into a stressful and overwhelming experience for families.

Why This Issue Matters To Florida Families

Getting the call that your child has been hurt at camp is every parent’s nightmare. We have worked with families blindsided by injuries ranging from broken bones and concussions to severe, preventable incidents.

Parents sometimes assume camp injuries are “just part of the experience,” but in reality, camps have a legal duty to protect your child. When you send your child to camp, or even daycare, you’re trusting staff to care for them with the same level of prudence you would use yourself. If a camp fails to meet that duty, it can and should be held responsible.

Florida law lays out strict safety and staffing requirements for programs caring for children. Camps are expected to proactively identify and prevent hazards, not simply react after an accident happens.

How Common Are Camp Injuries?

The American Camp Association estimates about 1.15 injuries or illnesses per 1,000 camper days nationwide. In Florida, injury rates are slightly higher, reflecting both our active outdoor lifestyle and the inherent risks of summer activities.

Some of the most common summer camp injuries include:

• Falls and Collisions: Sprains, fractures, and bruises from games, sports, or poorly maintained playgrounds
• Heatstroke and Dehydration: A serious concern in Florida’s climate, where children can overheat quickly without proper hydration and shade
• Water-Related Injuries: Drownings and near-drownings at pools, lakes, or beaches, often the most tragic camp incidents
• Cuts and Concussions: From active play, sports, or a lack of proper safety equipment

What Parents Should Do If Their Child Is Hurt At Camp

From our experience guiding families through these situations, we know the steps taken immediately after an injury can greatly impact both your child’s recovery and your ability to hold the right parties accountable.

• Seek medical care immediately – Even minor injuries should be evaluated to protect your child’s health and to create clear medical records.
• Document everything – Take photos of the injury, the location where it happened, and any unsafe conditions. Keep all related messages, reports, and emails.
• Request the camp’s incident report – Camps are typically required to document accidents. Ask for a copy and note who you spoke with.
• Identify witnesses – If other campers, staff, or visitors saw what happened, collect their names and contact details.
• Report the incident – If neglect or safety violations are suspected, file a report with the Florida Department of Children and Families.
• Do not sign waivers or settlements – Camps or their insurers may present documents that limit your rights before you fully understand the situation.
• Speak with a personal injury attorney – We offer free consultations so families can understand their rights without financial pressure.

Common Causes Of Camp Negligence

Not every injury is the camp’s fault, but when a preventable hazard or staff negligence is involved, the camp may be held liable. Common causes include:

• Inadequate Supervision: Not enough staff or lack of attention during high-risk activities
• Poor Maintenance: Broken playground equipment, unsafe fields, or unrepaired hazards
• Improper Training: Staff not trained in CPR, first aid, or water safety
• Lack of Emergency Planning: No clear procedures for heat emergencies, allergic reactions, or severe weather events
• Ignoring Safety Regulations: Violations of state or national safety standards

Liability Waivers: Are They Bulletproof?

Many camps require parents to sign a waiver before participation. While these documents can seem intimidating, they do not always shield a camp from liability—especially in cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior.

Florida courts have recognized that while waivers may limit certain claims, they cannot excuse a camp’s failure to address known dangers or take reasonable safety measures.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Evidence can disappear quickly at camps. Unsafe equipment may be repaired, witnesses may forget key details, and staff turnover can make it hard to locate those involved. Acting fast ensures that your legal team can:

• Preserve witness statements and evidence
• Request any available security or activity footage
• Obtain internal safety policies and inspection records
• Meet all legal filing deadlines

In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years, though some exceptions apply for minors. Waiting too long can make it much harder to seek justice.

Why We Handle These Cases

For us, representing families in camp injury cases is about more than recovering compensation—it’s about protecting children and encouraging safer practices. We’ve seen successful cases lead to better staff training, improved supervision, and stricter safety protocols.

When camps are held accountable, all children benefit—not just those in our clients’ families.

If your child was injured at a summer camp, don’t assume it was “just an accident.” Camps have a duty to keep children safe, and when they fail, you have the right to hold them accountable. At Mickey Keenan P.A., we help Florida families investigate camp injuries, preserve critical evidence, and pursue the compensation their children deserve. We are here to help, reach out to us today.