Injuries from Synthetic Turf: What Parents, Athletes, and Property Owners Need to Know

Artificial turf fields have become a common sight across California, from local parks and high schools to major athletic complexes. Praised for their durability, lower water usage, and year-round playability, these synthetic surfaces seem like an ideal solution. However, beneath the bright green surface lies a growing number of safety concerns. Athletes and parents are increasingly asking whether these fields are as safe as natural grass, as injuries ranging from severe joint damage to dangerous infections become more common.

When an injury occurs on synthetic turf, determining who is responsible can be incredibly complex. Was it a simple accident, or was it caused by a dangerously designed field, poor maintenance, or a defective product? At Walch Law, we have been helping California families navigate complex injury claims for over 45 years. We understand the science and the legal principles behind these cases. This guide explains the common injuries linked to artificial turf, who can be held liable, and the critical steps you must take to protect your rights after an injury.

Common Injuries Linked to Synthetic Turf

While all sports carry a risk of injury, studies and anecdotal reports suggest that artificial turf can create unique hazards that increase the risk of specific types of harm.

Joint Injuries (Knees and Ankles): Modern synthetic turf is designed to have high traction, meaning cleats “grip” the surface more aggressively than they do on natural grass. While this helps with quick movements, it can also cause an athlete’s foot to get stuck while their body continues to rotate, leading to a higher incidence of ACL and MCL tears, as well as severe ankle sprains.
Concussions and Head Injuries: The sub-layer beneath the turf can become compacted over time, making the surface significantly harder than natural grass. A fall on a hard, unforgiving surface increases the risk of a concussion or other traumatic brain injury.
“Turf Burn” and Infections: The abrasive nature of turf fibers can cause painful skin abrasions, commonly known as “turf burn.” These open wounds are not just painful; they create a direct pathway for bacteria like Staph and MRSA to enter the body, especially if the field is not properly sanitized.
Heat-Related Illness: Artificial turf can become dangerously hot, absorbing and retaining solar radiation. On a sunny day, the surface temperature can be 30 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than the ambient air, significantly increasing the risk of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration for athletes.
Lacerations: Poorly maintained fields can have exposed seams, worn-out patches with hardened surfaces underneath, or fixtures like sprinkler heads that are not properly recessed, creating tripping and cutting hazards.
“Turf Toe”: This is a sprain of the main joint of the big toe, often caused by the toe getting jammed or repeatedly pushed back on a hard surface, a common occurrence on artificial turf.

Emerging Concerns: Toxins in Turf Infill and Fibers

Beyond physical injuries, there are growing concerns about the chemical composition of some turf systems.

Crumb Rubber Infill: Many older fields use infill made from recycled tires. This “crumb rubber” can contain a cocktail of heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other chemicals that players may inhale or ingest.
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”: Some synthetic grass blades have been manufactured using PFAS chemicals to increase their durability. PFAS are linked to a host of health problems, and their presence on playing fields is an area of intense study and concern.

While the science connecting these chemical exposures to specific health outcomes is still evolving, it represents a significant and emerging area of potential liability for manufacturers and property owners.

Who Is Liable for an Artificial Turf Injury?

Determining legal responsibility requires a thorough investigation. Multiple parties could be at fault, including:

Property Owners (Schools, Cities, Parks): A public entity or private owner has a duty to provide a reasonably safe environment. If they knew or should have known the field was in a dangerous condition (e.g., compacted, torn seams, unsanitary), they can be held liable.
Field Installers and Designers: A company that improperly installed the turf, created a poor drainage system, or designed a field with inherent safety flaws can be found negligent.
Maintenance Contractors: If a third-party company was hired to maintain, inspect, and sanitize the field but failed to do so properly, they could be liable.
Manufacturers: The company that made the turf system, infill, or underlying shock pad could be responsible under product liability laws if their product was defectively designed or they failed to warn about known dangers.
Leagues and Athletic Associations: Organizations that manage sports programs have a heightened duty to ensure player safety, which includes verifying field conditions and implementing heat safety protocols.

The Government Claims Act: A 6-Month Deadline for Public Fields

If your injury occurred on a field owned by a public school, city, or county, you must follow the strict rules of the California Government Claims Act. You are required to file a formal claim with the correct government entity within six months of the injury. Missing this deadline will permanently bar your right to sue. This is a complex legal requirement, and it is critical to have an attorney handle this process to ensure it is done correctly.

Steps to Take After a Synthetic Turf Injury

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Get a full medical evaluation to diagnose your injuries. Be sure to report turf burns and watch for signs of infection.
Report the Injury: Notify a coach, league official, or property manager immediately. Ensure an official incident report is created and get a copy.
Document Everything: Take photos and videos of the field, paying close attention to the specific hazard that caused the injury (a torn seam, a hard patch, etc.). Also, photograph your injuries and any damaged footwear.
Preserve Evidence: Keep the cleats or shoes you were wearing. They can be important evidence related to surface traction.
Gather Witness Information: Get the names and contact information of teammates, coaches, or other parents who saw the incident or are aware of the field’s poor condition.
Avoid Recorded Statements: Do not speak to insurance adjusters or representatives for the property owner. They are looking for information to deny your claim. Politely refer them to your lawyer.
Contact an Attorney Quickly: An experienced personal injury lawyer can immediately send preservation letters, begin an investigation, and ensure you meet all legal deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I sue a school or city if my child gets hurt on their turf field?
Yes. Public entities can be held liable for maintaining a dangerous condition on their property, but you must first file a Government Claim within six months.

2. What if I signed a liability waiver to play in the league?
Waivers are not always enforceable, especially if the injury was caused by gross negligence (a reckless disregard for safety) or a hazard the organizers should have known about. An attorney can evaluate the validity of the waiver you signed.

3. Does a simple “turf burn” count as a valid injury claim?
If a turf burn becomes seriously infected (e.g., with MRSA or Staph) due to an unsanitary field, leading to significant medical bills, scarring, and time off work or school, you may have a valid claim for the resulting damages.

4. How do you prove the injury was from a field defect and not just bad luck?
Our experts can test the hardness (G-Max testing), traction, and temperature of the field. We also review maintenance logs and witness statements to build a case that a specific defect or condition created an unreasonable risk of harm.

5. Are lawsuits for PFAS or crumb rubber exposure possible?
These are complex, emerging areas of law. While challenging, claims may be possible if a clear link can be established between the chemical exposure from the turf and a specific health diagnosis. These “toxic tort” cases require extensive scientific and medical evidence.

6. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
For public entities, you have six months to file the initial claim. For private entities, the statute of limitations for personal injury in California is generally two years. However, you should consult an attorney immediately, as deadlines can vary.

Get the Legal Help You Need After a Turf Injury

An injury on an artificial field is more than just a sports setback; it can lead to chronic pain, costly surgeries, and a long road to recovery. You should not have to bear that burden alone. The experienced legal team at Walch Law understands the complexities of these cases and is ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless and until we win.