Summer camps are meant to be enriching and fun, allowing kids to explore, build friendships, and enjoy new experiences in a supervised environment. But when safety measures fall short, what should have been a carefree memory can become a devastating injury.
For South Carolina families, understanding who is liable when a child is seriously hurt at camp is critical to securing justice and covering medical costs. Here, our David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers explain.
The Reality of South Carolina Summer Camp Injuries
South Carolina has dozens of day camps, overnight camps, church retreats, and sports-intensive programs. While most strive to maintain a safe environment, accidents still happen, and many are preventable.
Injuries may include broken bones from falls, heatstroke from inadequate hydration, drownings in poorly supervised pools or lakes, or even emotional trauma caused by bullying or abuse. These incidents often stem from a lack of qualified staff, inadequate supervision, or dangerous conditions on the property.
When a child suffers serious harm, parents often find themselves facing steep medical bills, emotional distress, and unanswered questions about who is responsible.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a South Carolina Camp Injury?
Determining liability depends on the specific circumstances, but several parties may share responsibility when a child is seriously injured at camp.
They include:
- The Camp Operator – Camps have a legal duty to provide a reasonably safe environment. If an injury occurs because of poor staff training, lack of supervision, or unsafe facilities, the organization itself may be liable.
- Staff Members or Counselors – If a staff member acted recklessly or failed to respond appropriately to a known danger, they may also be held accountable.
- Third-Party Vendors or Contractors – If your child was injured during a camp-sponsored activity run by an outside organization, such as a climbing wall company or watercraft rental, those vendors may also share liability.
- Property Owners – In some cases, the land where the camp is held may be owned by a different entity that failed to maintain safe premises.
South Carolina’s premises liability and negligence laws allow parents to pursue damages against any party whose carelessness or failure to act resulted in their child’s injuries.
What Role Does a Waiver Play in Your Case?
Many camps require parents to sign liability waivers before a child can attend. While these documents can discourage some families from taking legal action, they do not automatically protect the camp from being sued. In South Carolina, waivers cannot absolve a camp of liability for gross negligence or intentional harm. If your child was hurt due to unsafe conditions or a staff member’s egregious actions, a waiver may not prevent you from seeking justice.
How We Help South Carolina Families After a Serious Camp Injury
At David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers, we know how painful it is to watch your child suffer because someone else failed to keep them safe. Our attorneys can investigate the camp’s safety policies, review witness accounts, examine medical records, and identify all liable parties. We are committed to helping families pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, future care needs, and more.
If your child was seriously injured at a summer camp in South Carolina, contact us today at (803) 302-3989 for a free consultation. We’ll fight for the answers and accountability your family deserves.
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