Trampoline Parks Cause Thousands of Injuries Every Year

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 need.