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January 2023

Personal Injury

Important Things to Know About Commercial Motor Vehicle Accident Claims

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Being involved in an accident can be scary and upsetting. A crash involving a commercial motor vehicle, though, is especially confusing and stressful. Commercial vehicles are governed by many state and federal laws. They are all complex and also ever-changing. Although you may be entitled to financial compensation after a commercial motor vehicle accident claim, you may find it harder to obtain than if you had been involved with a smaller passenger vehicle. If you have suffered serious injuries, our Baton Rouge trucking accident lawyer can assist with your claim. Below are the most important things to know before you file. How Much Insurance is Commercial Motor Vehicles Required to Carry? Like all other vehicles on the road, commercial vehicles must be covered by a certain amount of auto insurance. The insurance requirements for motor vehicles, however, are far more complicated than those for passenger vehicles. The minimum amounts that must cover commercial vehicles are as follows: $300,000 for non-hazardous freight when the vehicle weighs below 10,0001 pounds $750,000 – $5,000,000 for freight, depending on what is being transported $750,000 for non-hazardous cargo $1,000,000 for oil and other specific hazardous cargo $5,000,000 depending on the type and volume of hazardous chemicals and applying to cargo weighing 3500 gallons or more $1,500,000 for vehicles that transport 15 passengers or less $5,000,000 for vehicles that transport 16 passengers or more What Driver Qualification Records are Required? It is critical for drivers of commercial vehicles to be properly qualified to operate their vehicles safely. The qualification records of any driver must be kept throughout the term of the driver’s employment and for three years after employment has terminated. Some of the most important qualification records to be kept include: The driver’s application for employment Any previous employee inquiries Any inquiries to state agencies Results of any road tests A medical examiner’s certificate National registry verification Annual review of qualification How Long Should Driver Drug and Alcohol Testing Records Be Stored? As with qualification records, any documents pertaining to a commercial driver’s drug and alcohol testing also must be stored for a certain period of time. The length of time these records must be kept depends on the type of record that is collected. Any drug and alcohol testing results that are negative or canceled must only be kept for one year. Records pertaining to the drug and alcohol collection process must be stored for two years. Certain drug and alcohol records must be retained for five years. These are as follows: Alcohol test results that show a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.02% or more, Any verified test results that are positive for controlled substances, Any document relevant to a refusal to take an alcohol or drug test Driver referrals and evaluations Calibration documents Administration records about alcohol and drug testing, including any violations Annual summaries Records of education and training records for certain testing personnel must be stored indefinitely. How to Obtain Information After a Commercial Vehicle Accident There is a significant amount of paperwork after a commercial vehicle accident, and injured victims do not always know how to obtain the necessary records. For example, if you do not think the commercial vehicle driver who hit you had the proper training, you may not know how to obtain their employment records. Generally speaking, most documents can be obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. Your request must be in writing, and you can send it by mail, fax, or email. You must include your name, address, and telephone number within your request so the agency can contact you if they have questions about your request. Within your request, you should specify that you are asking under the Freedom of Information Act. Your request should include the specific documents you are trying to obtain and the reason for the request. If you are asking for documents about a specific motor carrier, include the name of the motor carrier as well as their principal place of business or, if available, the Department of Transportation number. If you request information about yourself, you must complete a Privacy Waiver form and submit it, as per the Privacy Act. What is Considered an Accident By the FMCSA? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) is a federal agency that governs commercial vehicles and the trucking industry. The agency defines an accident as any collision that results in: A fatality, Bodily injury to any person that requires medical treatment soon after the crash, One or more of the vehicles involved sustaining disabling damage caused by the crash, and that requires the vehicle to be towed away from the scene by a tow truck or other motor vehicle Any collision that involves one of the above factors is considered a recordable accident. When an accident qualifies as recordable by the Department of Transportation (DOT), certain information must be included on the motor carrier’s accident register. Although these registers are simply internal documents created by the motor carrier, there is specific information they must contain. Under Section 390.15 of the FMCSRs, this includes: The date of the accident, The city, town, or closest location where the collision occurred, The state in which the accident happened, The name of the commercial vehicle driver, The number of injuries caused by the collision, The number of fatalities resulting from the crash, and Whether a motor vehicle was carrying hazardous materials other than fuel spilled from the vehicle’s fuel tank, and whether any of the hazardous material was released. Under the law, motor carriers must retain the information on their accident register for at least three years. Our Trucking Accident Lawyers in Baton Rouge Can Provide Sound Legal Advice Commercial vehicle accidents are traumatic, and the aftermath is extremely complex. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our Baton Rouge trucking accident lawyers can advise you of the legal avenues available to you to obtain compensation and will help you obtain the full and fair damages that are justly yours. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or fill out our

Personal Injury

Common Examples of Industrial Accidents

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Industrial workers are perhaps most at risk of suffering a catastrophic personal injury while on the job. Mechanics, construction workers, factory employees, Pumps, welders, and others work with industrial equipment, which is incredibly heavy and powerful and can cause some of the most serious accidents. Even an accident that would be seemingly minor in another work environment, such as a slip and fall, can have the most serious, and sometimes even fatal, results. Below, our Baton Rouge workers’ compensation lawyer outlines the most common examples of industrial accidents. Slip and Falls Any worker can suffer harm during a slip-and-fall accident, but dangerous conditions are more likely to occur in an industrial setting. Oil, gas, and other liquids can easily cover walkways, hallways, and stairs, putting all workers at risk. Industrial workers should be given a pair of non-slip shoes, or a requirement to wear such footwear should be in place to prevent such accidents. Falling Objects When objects fall, particularly from a height, they can cause serious injuries. Factories and warehouses are large spaces, and stock, machinery, and other items may be stored up high, putting them at risk of falling and hurting a worker. On construction sites, workers on higher floors may drop equipment or other items, hurting an employee working on a lower level. OSHA Violations The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a government agency that outlines certain safety regulations for employers. However, OSHA reports thousands of violations each year. Some of the most common OSHA violations include failure to provide fall protection, respiratory protection, not adhering to scaffolding requirements, and failure to provide personal protective equipment, among others. When safety standards are not met, all industrial workers are at risk of suffering after a serious accident. Chemical Burns and Exposures Chemical burns and exposure to toxic materials are more likely to happen in industries and factories that manufacture products or are involved in other scientific processes. Transporting these materials is extremely dangerous, and when they are not safely disposed of, catastrophic injuries can result. Employers also have an obligation to ensure that dangerous chemicals are properly stored so that no worker is at risk of suffering from a chemical burn or exposure. Smoke Inhalation The chemicals stored and used in industrial environments can sometimes explode or catch fire and cause serious injury. In other instances, heavy equipment on a job site may also utilize flame, such as pilot lights and boiler units. This heavy machinery is also prone to starting a fire or explosion. Even when a worker safely leaves the scene of a fire or explosion, it does not mean they will not suffer injury. In fact, in some cases, damage from smoke inhalation is much more harmful, and sometimes even more fatal, than the fire or explosion that caused the dangerous smoke. Overexertion Injuries Industrial work is extremely physically demanding. Workers are often pushed to their limits as they lift objects that are very heavy or when they have to push heavy objects out of their way or down an assembly line. Overexertion injuries often affect the back, neck, and legs of workers. Crushing Injuries The machinery within industrial worksites is extremely heavy. This is a necessity because the machinery in these workplaces performs very big jobs that require a lot of power. Unfortunately, industrial workers must also operate and be in the vicinity of this equipment, and that poses a great danger. Crushing injuries are quite common in industrial workplaces, and they can result in amputations, multiple surgeries to correct the damage, and other losses. After a crushing injury, workers often cannot return to the same line of work, or work at all, in the future. Dehydration Injuries Industrial work is intense, and the conditions are often harsh. It is imperative that workers are given a chance to remain hydrated so they do not become involved in an accident. Workers who are dehydrated may suffer from dizziness, light-headedness, headaches, and fatigue. Any one of these will make it harder for industrial workers to focus properly on the job and ensure they do not get hurt. Employers must ensure all workers are given the opportunity to take appropriate nutrition and hydration breaks so these preventable accidents do not occur. Our Industrial Accident Lawyers in Baton Rouge Can Help After an Industrial Accident If you have suffered an industrial accident, our Baton Rouge industrial accident lawyers at Big River Trial Attorneys can advise you of your legal options and help you obtain the full coverage you need for your injuries. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys.

Lesiones Personales

Los parques de camas elásticas causanMilesde lesiones cada año

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Los parques de camas elásticas se están convirtiendo en una opción cada vez más popular para fiestas de cumpleaños, fiestas de trabajo, o simplemente un día de diversión en familia. Por desgracia, estos viajes suelen acabar con algo más que buenos recuerdos. Miles de personas se lesionan en los parques de camas elásticas cada año, y el número de personas lesionadas sólo crece con cada año que pasa. Muchas veces, los parques de camas elásticas intentan protegerse de la responsabilidad obligando a los visitantes a firmar una exoneración de responsabilidad. Afortunadamente, estos a menudo no son suficientes para evitar que las víctimas de accidentes el poder obtener la compensación que se merecen. A continuación, nuestro abogado de lesiones personales de Baton Rouge les explica más. Aumenta el Número de Lesiones en Parques de Camas Elásticas No sólo está aumentando el número de personas que visitan los parques de camas elásticas, sino también el número de lesiones que se producen en ellos. Según la Academia Americana de Pediatría, en 2010 los accidentes, en parques de camas elásticas, solo provocaron 581 visitas a salas de urgencias. Solo cuatro años después, en 2014, el número de visitas a urgencias debidas a los parques de camas elásticas aumentó a 6.932. En 2017, esa cifra casi se había triplicado, con 18.000 visitas a urgencias para poder recibir tratamiento por lesiones dentro de un parques de camas elásticas, según la Comisión para la Seguridad de los Productos de Consumo. Trágicamente, según CBS News, un mínimo de seis personas han muerto a causa de sus lesiones en parques de camas elásticas en los últimos siete años. ¿Cómo se Producen las Lesiones en los Parques de Trampolines? Las lesiones en los parques de camas elásticas se producen de muchas maneras diferentes. No es de extrañar, en realidad, teniendo en cuenta que estas instalaciones suelen estar llenas de niños que tienen un suministro, aparentemente interminable, de energía en comparación con los adultos, que son mucho más grandes y mucho más enérgicos que los niños con los que juegan. Si a esto añadimos que muchos parques de camas elásticas están diseñados de forma inadecuada, es fácil comprender por qué son tan frecuentes los accidentes en los parques de camas elásticas. En la mayoría de los parques, los trampolines están conectados por cables de acero o cadenas. Estos cables y cadenas están cubiertos por un acolchado mínimo que suele ser bastante fino. Las paredes que rodean las camas elásticas tampoco suelen estar muy acolchadas y solo utilizan un acolchado fino. Cuando las personas corren, dan volteretas y saltan en las camas elásticas y entre ellas, la fuerza de la energía se mueve en muchas direcciones diferentes. Aunque una persona salta en una cama elástica puede controlar sus propios movimientos, éstos pueden afectar a los clientes de alrededor, que no pueden hacer nada sobre cómo se mueve otro visitante o a dónde va la energía. El doble rebote es una de las formas más comunes de accidente en los parques de camas elásticas. El doble rebote se produce cuando el impacto de un usuario afecta al rebote de otro saltador. Es probable que se produzcan colisiones fuertes como consecuencia de un doble rebote. Los niños pequeños suelen rebotar junto a los adultos, que son mucho más grandes y pueden generar una fuerza mucho mayor. La fuerza de un salto puede ser suficiente para herir a un niño pequeño, o un adulto puede caer sobre los niños, provocando lesiones por aplastamiento. Las camas elásticas de estas instalaciones también suelen estar rodeadas de fosos de espuma, que proporcionan una falsa sensación de seguridad. Aunque los fosos de espuma parezcan bien acolchados, rara vez es así. Los niños pueden sufrir lesiones graves, como fracturas óseas, tras saltar al foso. Además, las extremidades de los niños suelen ser lo bastante pequeñas como para quedar atrapadas entre los cables y alambres que conectan las camas elásticas. La gente puede incluso caer a través de ellas cuando las estructuras están mal diseñadas y los huecos son demasiado anchos. ¿Qué lesiones provocan los accidentes en parques de camas elásticas? Las lesiones sufridas en los parques de camas elásticas son tan graves que la Academia Americana de Pediatría desaconseja su uso a todos los niños menores de 5 años. Algunas de las lesiones más catastróficas sufridas en los parques de camas elásticas son las siguientes: Cráneos fracturados Hemorragias cerebrales Lesiones cerebrales traumáticas Lesiones de espalda Lesiones de la médula espinal, incluida la parálisis Roturas de cuello, que también pueden provocar parálisis Mandíbulas rotas Fractura de nariz Fractura de miembros Las lesiones mencionadas pueden afectar a las víctimas de accidentes durante semanas, meses e incluso años. Es importante que las personas lesionadas presenten un reclamo para recuperar una compensación económica por las pérdidas sufridas, como gastos médicos, pérdida de ingresos, dolor, sufrimiento, y mucho más. ¿Cómo Afectan las Exoneraciones a los Casos por Accidentes en Parques de Camas Elásticas? Casi todos los parques de trampolines dentro de Baton Rouge, y de todo el país, exigen a los clientes que firmen una exención de responsabilidad. Los padres también están obligados a firmar estos para sus hijos. Muchas personas piensan que después de un accidente en un parque de trampolines, no pueden recuperar la compensación por sus pérdidas, ya que firmaron la renuncia. Sin embargo, las exenciones creadas por los parques de camas elásticas no siempre son efectivas, ni los tribunales siempre las hacen cumplir. Las exenciones no protegen a los propietarios de los parques de camas elásticas ni a los miembros del personal de una mala conducta gratuita, deliberada, o intencionada. Además, el documento debe estar redactado en un lenguaje claro y específico para que se considere ejecutable. Muchas veces, estas renuncias incluyen un lenguaje vago que no es aceptado por los tribunales. Además, todos los invitados deben tener la oportunidad de leer y entender completamente la renuncia. Si se obliga a una persona a firmarla rápidamente sin darle esta oportunidad, suele ser suficiente para anular la renuncia. Si usted ha sido lesionado

Personal Injury

To Whom Do OSHA Regulations Apply, and are There Exemptions?

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To Whom Do OSHA Regulations Apply, And Are There Exemptions? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or the OSHA as it is more commonly known, protects the health and safety of workers throughout the United States. The OSHA was created by Congress in 1971 with the passing of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The Act ensures that workers have safe and healthy working conditions and enforces workplace standards and laws. The Act also provides education, training, assistance, and outreach. Since the law was enacted, the number of work fatalities has dropped by more than half, and the number of overall workplace injuries and illnesses has also reduced. Although the Act has provided protection for millions of workers since its inception, it also does not apply to all workplaces. Below, our Baton Rouge workers’ compensation lawyer outlines who is subject to the OSHA regulations and the partial exemptions that apply. To Whom Do OSHA Regulations Apply? The OSH Act applies to the vast majority of employers and employees in the private sector in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other territories of the United States. The federal OSHA or OSHA-approved state job safety and health plan provide coverage under the Act. When a worker is excluded from a state plan, such as workers who are employed on military bases or in maritime industries in some states, federal OSHA may provide coverage. Workers employed by local and state government entities are not covered by federal OSHA. However, these workers may still be protected under the Act if they are employed in states with state programs approved by OSHA. Individual states and the territories of the United States can enact their own plans that provide coverage for state and local government workers. Although public sector employees are not generally covered under the OSH Act, the law does establish a separate program for employees of the federal government. Under Section 19, the heads of federal agencies have a responsibility to provide safe and healthy working conditions for their employees. Federal agencies are not fined by OSHA, but they are monitored, and inspections are conducted when workers report dangerous working conditions. The OSHA and the OSH Act do provide many employees with important protections. Unfortunately, the laws and regulations do not apply to all employees in the country. The law outlines both full and partial exemptions. Full Exemption: Self-Employed Workers The term ‘employer’ is defined under the OSH Act as a person who engages in business practices and who is responsible for employees. As such, individuals who do not have employees are not subject to the laws and regulations outlined in the Act. On the other hand, even if an employer has just one employee, the laws and regulations still apply. This remains true even if a business owner operates their company as a sole proprietor but still has employees. Full Exemption: Federal And State-Regulated Industries Employers and employees who are regulated by the state or federal government are not subject to OSHA rules. For example, nuclear power plants and mining companies are regulated by government agencies, and they are not under the authority of OSHA. The OSHA also does not generally protect state employees because states typically have their own approved programs that have their own regulations. Partial Exemption: Employers With 10 Employees Or Less While the OSH Act does apply to all employers who employ even just one worker, employers with 10 employees or fewer are eligible for a partial exemption. These companies do not have to keep records for injuries or illnesses unless there is an OSHA mandate that explicitly covers an injury or illness. Still, employers with 10 or fewer employees are still required to report any injury or fatality that happens in the workplace. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, OSHA recently modified the reporting requirement. Now, all employers must report the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the workplace. Employers must only report a confirmed case if all of the following are true: The COVID-19 case is considered confirmed according to the CDC standards, The case is related to the place or position of employment, and The case involves time lost from work, transfer to another job, work restrictions, loss of consciousness, medical treatment that extends beyond first aid, or death. Call Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers In Baton Rouge Today If you have been injured or sick while on the job, our Baton Rouge workers’ compensation lawyers at Big River Trial Attorneys can advise you of your rights. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.

Lesiones Personales

Las Mayores Distracciones a las que se Enfrentan los Conductores y Cómo Evitarlas

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Las Mayores Distracciones A Las Que Se Enfrentan Los Conductores Y Cómo Evitarlas Cuando la mayoría de la gente piensa en distracciones al volante, lo primero que le viene a la mente suele ser enviar mensajes de texto mientras conduce. Por desgracia, los conductores se enfrentan a muchos otros tipos de distracciones mientras están al volante. Muchas de ellas parecen relativamente inocentes y seguras, pero la verdad es que causan tantos accidentes mortales como los accidentes en los que están implicados los teléfonos móviles. Es crucial que todos los conductores sepan cuáles son estas distracciones, para que puedan evitarlos, y evitar ser considerado responsable de un accidente de conducción distraída. A continuación, nuestro abogado de lesiones personales proveniente de Baton Rouge señala las mayores distracciones de los conductores. Mensajes De Texto Y Conducción Por supuesto, sostener un teléfono móvil para enviar mensajes de texto, publicar en las redes sociales, ver vídeos, etc. es una de las formas más comunes de distracción al volante. Enviar mensajes de texto al volante es especialmente preocupante en el caso de los conductores más jóvenes, ya que corren un mayor riesgo de verse implicados en un accidente. Cuando los conductores sostienen sus teléfonos, apartan las manos del volante, los ojos, y la atención de la carretera. La mejor forma de evitar enviar mensajes de texto, y conducir, sobre todo para quienes les resulta difícil ignorar las notificaciones del teléfono, son las siguientes: Silenciar las notificaciones o apagar el teléfono mientras se está en el coche. Mantener el teléfono fuera del alcance, por ejemplo, guardándolo en la guantera. Utiliza los ajustes o las aplicaciones para enviar mensajes de respuesta que avisen que estás ocupado. Pide a un pasajero que lea y responda a los mensajes de texto. Si es absolutamente necesario enviar un mensaje, estacione primero en un lugar seguro. Comer, Beber, Y Fumar Tener una gran taza de café a su lado puede parecer esencial en un largo viaje por carretera, o puede querer comer mientras está en la carretera para ganar algo de tiempo. Comer, beber y fumar son distracciones importantes cuando se está al volante. Es posible que se esfuerce por abrir paquetes con una sola mano o por evitar que se derrame la comida. Quemarse el regazo o la mano con café caliente puede hacer que te desvíes violentamente o que frenes de golpe, provocando que alguien te choque por detrás. Para evitar estas distracciones: Come antes de salir a la carretera y aprovecha las paradas de descanso que ofrezcan refrescos por el camino. Si necesita beber algo, tome un pequeño sorbo y deje la taza en el suelo para no estar continuamente sujetándola y conduciendo con una sola mano. Deje las cosas que se le hayan caído o derramado hasta que pueda detenerse con seguridad para recogerlas. Soñando Despierto Puede que pienses que no hay nada malo en dejar que tu mente divague un poco mientras conduces. Sin embargo, conducir requiere toda tu atención para que puedas reaccionar en cuestión de segundos. Según la revista Insurance Journal, soñar despierto es responsable del 62% de los accidentes de tráfico mortales. Puedes evitarlo al: No conduzcas cuando estés muy estresado o emocionado Evitar conversaciones intensas con otras personas mientras estás en el vehículo Interferencia Del Pasajero No siempre es fácil evitar que haya pasajeros en el vehículo, pero es importante asegurarse de que no se conviertan en una distracción. Los pasajeros desempeñan un papel muy importante a la hora de garantizar que todo el mundo llegue sano y salvo a su destino, y cuando son ruidosos o alborotadores, pueden apartar la vista y la atención del conductor de la carretera. Para evitar que esto ocurra: Mantén la conversación y la música a un volumen razonable Dígale a cualquier pasajero del asiento delantero que es responsable de ayudar con los sistemas GPS, ajustar los sistemas de climatización, etc. Limita el número de pasajeros del vehículo siempre que sea posible. Ajuste De Los Controles La tecnología actual ha hecho posible acceder a los comandos de voz, facilitando el ajuste del volumen de la radio, los sistemas de navegación, y mucho más sin apartar las manos del volante ni los ojos de la carretera. Aun así, ajustar ciertos controles en el coche puede ser una distracción que provoque un accidente. Algunos consejos para evitarlo son: Tómate un tiempo para aprender a utilizar la tecnología del vehículo, como los comandos de voz. Ajuste los retrovisores, los asientos, el climatizador y los controles de audio antes de salir, o espere hasta que pueda detenerse con seguridad para realizar estos ajustes. Pide al pasajero del asiento delantero que realice los ajustes necesarios. Cuidado Personal Mucha gente no se da cuenta de la frecuencia con la que los conductores se acicalan mientras están al volante. Sin embargo, esta práctica es bastante habitual, sobre todo en los trayectos largos. Arreglarse el pelo, maquillarse, o intentar quitarse o arreglarse prendas de ropa son distracciones importantes que pueden provocar un accidente. Para asegurarse de que no se produzcan, puede seguir los siguientes consejos: Dése tiempo suficiente para realizar cualquier operación de mantenimiento necesaria antes de subir al vehículo. Caliente el vehículo antes de entrar o vístase de acuerdo con el clima. Utilice las paradas de descanso cada vez que surja una situación urgente Disfrutando Del Paisaje Las bellas vistas y los paisajes son una parte importante de cualquier viaje por carretera, pero los conductores nunca deben distraerse tanto con ellos que aparten la vista de la carretera. Incluso cuando se viaja por carreteras rurales tranquilas, un animal puede lanzarse delante de usted, o puede encontrarse con escombros y no tener tiempo suficiente para reaccionar. Los mejores consejos para asegurarse de que sus ojos están siempre en la carretera delante de usted incluyen los siguientes: Concéntrese siempre en la carretera que tiene delante y no en lo que ocurre por la ventanilla lateral o en su vehículo. Evita mirar hacia atrás cuando te acerques a un accidente o pases por delante de él.

Personal Injury

Trampoline Parks Cause Thousands of Injuries Every Year

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Trampoline Parks Cause Thousands Of Injuries Every Year Trampoline parks are becoming an increasingly popular option for birthday parties, work parties, or just a day of fun as a family. Unfortunately, these trips often end with more than just good memories. Thousands of people become hurt at trampoline parks every year, and the number of injured individuals only grows with each passing year. Many times, trampoline parks often try to shield themselves from liability by forcing visitors to sign a waiver. Fortunately, these are often not enough to prevent accident victims from obtaining the compensation they deserve. Below, our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer explains more. The Number Of Trampoline Park Injuries Is Rising Not only is the number of people visiting trampoline parks increasing, but so too is the number of injuries incurred at these parks. In 2010, trampoline park accidents resulted in just 581 visits to the emergency room, according to the American Academy of Pediatricians. Just four years later, in 2014, the number of emergency room visits due to trampoline parks rose to 6,932. By 2017, that number had nearly tripled, with 18,000 visiting the emergency room to receive treatment for trampoline park injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Tragically, according to CBS News, a minimum of six people have died from their trampoline park injuries in the past seven years. How Do Injuries Happen At Trampoline Parks? Trampoline park injuries happen in many different ways. It is not surprising, really, considering these facilities are often filled with children who have a seemingly endless supply of energy compared with adults, who are much larger and much more forceful than the children they play alongside. Add to this that many trampoline parks are inadequately designed, and it is easy to see why trampoline park accidents are so common. In most parks, steel cables or chain links connect the trampolines. These cables and chains are covered by minimal padding that is often quite thin. The walls surrounding the trampolines are also not usually very cushioned and use only thin padding. As people run, flip, and jump on and between the different trampolines, it causes forceful energy to move in many different directions. Although one person jumping on a trampoline may be able to control their own movements, they may still affect surrounding patrons, who can do nothing about how another visitor moves or where the energy goes. Double bouncing is one of the most common ways trampoline park accidents happen. Double bouncing occurs when one patron’s impact affects another jumper’s rebound. Forceful collisions are likely to result from a double bounce. Small children often bounce alongside adults, who are much larger in size and can generate a much greater force. The force of a jump can be enough to hurt a small child, or an adult can fall onto children, resulting in crushing injuries. The trampolines in these facilities are also often surrounded by foam pits, which provide a false sense of safety. Although the foam pits may look well cushioned, that is rarely the case. Children can suffer serious injuries, such as broken bones, after they jump into the pit. Children’s limbs are also often small enough to become trapped between the cables and wires connecting the trampolines. People can even fall through them when the structures are poorly designed, and the gaps are too wide. What Injuries Do Trampoline Park Accidents Cause? The injuries sustained at trampoline parks are so serious, The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against the use of them for all children under the age of 5. Some of the most catastrophic injuries sustained at trampoline parks are as follows: Fractured skulls Brain bleeds Traumatic brain injuries Back injuries Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis Broken necks, which can also result in paralysis Broken jaws Broken noses Fractured limbs The above injuries can affect accident victims for weeks, months, and even years to come. It is important for injured individuals to file a claim to recover financial compensation for the losses sustained, such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. How Do Waivers Affect Trampoline Park Accident Cases? Nearly every trampoline park in Baton Rouge and throughout the country requires patrons to sign a liability waiver. Parents are also required to sign these for their children. Many people think after a trampoline park accident, they cannot recover compensation for their losses because they signed the waiver. However, the waivers created by trampoline parks are not always effective, nor are they always enforced by the courts. Waivers do not shield trampoline park owners or staff members from wanton, willful, or intentional misconduct. The document must also be written in clear, specific language in order for them to be considered enforceable. Many times, these waivers include vague language that is not upheld by the courts. Additionally, all guests must be given the opportunity to fully read and understand the waiver. If a person is forced to sign it quickly without being given this opportunity, that is often enough to void the waiver. If you have been injured at a trampoline park, it is critical that you speak with a Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer, even if you have signed a waiver. Our experienced attorneys can challenge waivers and show that the trampoline park owner or staff members were negligent and caused your injuries so you receive the full and fair settlement to which you are entitled. Call Our Personal Injury Lawyer In Baton Rouge For Sound Legal Advice Injuries sustained at trampoline parks are some of the most serious, and if you have been hurt, you need compensation to help during your recovery. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation to determine what caused your accident and who to hold liable for paying the full damages you deserve. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and obtain the sound legal advice you

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