Trampolines can be incredibly fun for children of all ages, and it’s a fantastic activity for the whole family during nice weather. However, trampolines also pose a measure of risk, and it’s important for you to understand the dangers of trampoline use to protect yourself and loved ones from injuries. Some injuries may even lead to lawsuits or other legal entanglements, so know your options in the event of a trampoline injury.
Trampoline Injury Statistics
Between 2002 and 2011, more than a million-people visited the ER for trampoline injuries. Of them, almost 300,000 involved broken bones. These injuries costs emergency departments somewhere in the $1 billion range. Most of those hurt are children, and almost 93% of them were under 16 years old.
Best Practices
The first step in preventing trampoline injuries is to purchase one with the best possible safety ratings. Check online for the highest rated trampolines and read reviews from other customers. Be sure to read the positive reviews as well as the negative, as some people who have bought the trampoline may have experienced issues that could apply to you as well.
Purchase a trampoline with a safety net enclosure – this small additional cost will likely save you in medical bills. The safety net wraps around the outside of the trampoline to prevent anyone from bouncing off and onto the ground, which could cause significant injury. Remember that the safety enclosure will not prevent users from falling into the springs around the outer edge of the trampoline. While some manufacturers have designed trampolines without these springs, most of them have a ring of heavy duty spring that can cause significant injuries.
Once you’ve purchased a trampoline, follow the biggest rule for trampoline safety: only one person at a time should use the trampoline. This sounds like a solid rule in theory, but most kids want to play on their trampolines with their friends and siblings. While it may be difficult for parents to convince their kids that only one person may use the trampoline at a time, enforcing the “one at a time” rule will significantly lower the risk of someone suffering an injury.
Finally, the best way to prevent trampoline injuries is proper supervision. Some kids may get carried away and attempt dangerous tricks and flips that can lead to serious head and neck injuries. Whenever children are using a trampoline, carefully supervise them and prevent them from making any risky maneuvers.
Product Liability Claims
If you or a loved one suffers a trampoline injury, your first instinct may be to blame the manufacturer of the trampoline. While this may seem like sound logic, it’s important to remember that product manufacturers must follow very strict liability standards. If a manufacturer failed to provide adequate safety warnings or sold you a defective product, you may be able to file a product liability claim. However, most companies that make potentially hazardous items are very clear in their instructions for use and safety warnings. If you suffered an injury due to your own actions of misuse of the product, your claim will most likely not hold up in court.
Negligence Claims
In some situations, you may be able to file a personal injury claim if your loved one was under the supervision of another. For example, if your child’s daycare has a trampoline and your child suffers an injury because the daycare staff was not paying adequate attention, the staff may be liable for the injury. Hopefully, you can avoid these injuries by following these tips. After any type of trampoline injury, one of the best things you can do once you’ve addressed any medical concerns is to speak with a
personal injury attorney about your possible options for legal recourse.
