What If I Am Injured on a Trampoline in Illinois?

 Posted on June 27, 2019 in Slip and Fall

Jumping on a trampoline can be fun for people of all ages, not just kids. It is a great form of exercise and can help users develop core muscle strength as well as strengthen their balance. Trampolines can be enjoyed outside in someone’s yard or inside at a facility. Unfortunately, thousands of people are injured on trampolines every year in the United States. Injuries can range from minor to major, such as small cuts to broken legs to fractures of the spine, head, ribs and more. The number of injuries continues to rise, despite efforts to make trampolines safer with enclosures or nets and padding. Children younger than 6 years old are at the greatest risk of injury, but adults can be hurt, too. Accidents happen, but in some cases, a trampoline injury might occur due to negligence by the trampoline’s owner.

Types of Injuries

The majority of trampoline injuries occur on home trampolines, although they can happen on indoor trampolines, too. Indoor trampoline “parks” have gained popularity in recent years since people can visit them in the winter months when the weather is bad outside. Common injuries sustained on any trampoline can include:

• Broken bones
• Concussions and other head trauma
• Sprains/strains
• Bruises, scrapes, and cuts
• Head and neck injuries

How Injuries Occur

As with any type of physical activity or sport, there are inherent risks. Guests of indoor parks are typically required to watch a safety video and sign a waiver before entering the jump zones. Although these indoor facilities often have pads surrounding the jumping areas, people can still get hurt. Many injuries take place when there is more than one person jumping or flipping on a trampoline. In addition, any objects such as balls or toys on the trampoline surface can also pose significant risks by tripping or slipping and falling. A person can also get hurt when he or she:

• Lands wrong while jumping
• Lands wrong while flipping and doing somersaults
• Performs stunts such as front or backflips
• Collides with another person
• Falls or jumps off the trampoline
• Lands on metal springs or metal frame

If a trampoline park is not adequately staffed, there may not be enough employees to monitor or enforce safety rules, such as how many people are jumping at once. Too many jumpers can crash into each other or land outside of the padded areas and suffer broken bones or fractures. In addition, no food or drinks should be near the designated jumping areas since those could cause someone to slip and fall, which can result in a concussion or other similar injury.

It is the trampoline owner’s responsibility to make sure the apparatus is well-maintained and in proper working order so as to prevent injuries. Owners should regularly inspect all parts of the trampoline to make sure they are not defective. If the frame is cracked or worn, it could break or fall apart, resulting in severe injuries to anyone jumping on it. Springs that are exposed can cause cuts or scrapes. If a trampoline is outside in all kinds of weather, the springs and other areas are subjected to rain and snow, which can lead to deterioration. In certain cases, defective parts may cause the trampoline to collapse when jumpers are on it, causing them to collide or fall on top of each other. It is also important to note that security netting and/or frames only work if they are securely fastened onto the trampoline.

Contact a Bloomingdale Personal Injury Lawyer

Trampolines are popular among kids and adults since they are a fun outlet for releasing energy. However, trampolines can also cause serious injuries if not properly secured or maintained. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a trampoline accident, whether at a friend’s house or an indoor park, you may be entitled to compensation. The Law Offices of David W. Clark, P.C. will work hard to determine liability for your pain and suffering. Call a dedicated Wheaton trampoline injury attorney today at 630-665-5678 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Trampolines-What-You-Need-to-Know.aspx

https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/trauma/news/when-its-kids-vs-trampolines-kids-often-lose/mac-20431484