Trampolines can be dangerous for children and adults, but the majority of trampoline injuries are to children. Parental supervision plays only a partial role in preventing trampoline accident and injuries. There are many factors which can make an accident more likely and/or injuries more severe.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) two-thirds of trampoline injuries treated in emergency rooms are to children ages six to 14, and another 15% are to children under six years old.
About 75% of trampoline injuries occur when more than one person is using the trampoline at the same time. These injuries can be caused by two jumpers colliding, or by something called the “rebound” effect where, as one person is going up, the surface of the trampoline springs up, and the person coming down experiences much stronger than normal impact. This effect can cause spinal fractures. When two people are jumping at the same time, the lighter person is five times more likely to be injured than the heavier person.
According to the CPSP other common causes of serious trampoline injuries, and sometimes death, include:
- Landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts on the trampoline.
- Falling or jumping off the trampoline.
- Falling on the trampoline springs or frame.
Also according to the CPSC, in 1999:
- 40% of injuries were to the leg and/or foot
- 29% of injuries were to the arm and/or hand
- 20% of injuries were to the head, face, and/or neck
- 10% of injuries were to the shoulder and/or trunk
Placement of trampolines is a factor which can increase injuries when trampoline accidents occur. Placement on concrete or near trees, fences, and other object which may be struck do not necessarily increase the risk of an accident, but increase the severity of injuries caused by the accident.
Trampolines which are improperly assembled or poorly maintained are more likely to fail and cause injuries. Most trampoline injuries, about 93%, occur at people’s homes.
Who is responsible?
An accident caused by a trampoline which was defective when it was purchased would fall under the category of product liability. Most trampoline accidents, however, fall under premises liability. They are the responsibility of the property owner or the person in control of the property.
Property owners have a responsibility to keep visitors safe, and this includes providing adequate supervision, proper placement, and proper maintenance of trampolines on the property. Trampoline accidents often occur because a ladder was left next to the trampoline, allowing a child to wander into the area and use the trampoline unsupervised. Trampoline owners can minimize the dangers of trampolines by keeping ladders away from unattended trampolines and by using safety enclosures, which are basically a high net around the trampoline.
Injuries caused by trampoline accidents include:
- Bruises
- Sprains
- Fractures
- Spinal injury
- Brain injury
- Paralysis
- Death
If you or a loved on has been injured or killed by a trampoline injury, pleasecontact an experienced personal injury attorney today.
