Severe Injuries from Bounce House Accidents on the Rise
Bounce houses (also known as “jumpers”) are such a common source of fun for kids that most parents have watched their kids play in these enclosed inflatable trampoline type structures. Jumpers are common at birthday parties, children’s entertainment centers and other venues with activities oriented toward children.
Few parents are aware of the potential danger posed by bounce houses. Our Atlanta personal injury attorneys report on a recent report in the Journal of Pediatrics, which indicated that the number of injuries linked to the use of bounce houses has risen dramatically in the last few years.
Approximately 11,300 kids suffered injuries serious enough to necessitate medical treatment in 2010, which represents double the number of such injuries from just two years earlier and sixteen times more than 1995. This rapid rise in injuries caused by party jumpers is a product of both their increased popularity and the lack of improvement in their safety equipment. While there are a wide range of injuries caused by bounce houses, the most common injuries include fractures and soft tissue injuries, as well as injuries to the head, neck and face.
Falls from the bounce houses and collisions with other kids inside the structures constitute the most common cause of injury. Children may fall against the side of the bounce house and have the side of the colorful castles collapse so that the child’s head or body strikes a hard object adjacent to the bounce house or fall out of the opening designed as an entrance. Kids may also experience severe spinal cord injuries when children fall with their head trapped underneath their body.
Child safety advocates view the hazards associated with bounce houses as similar to those of trampolines. "In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirmed its recommendation against any home or other recreational usage of trampolines and recommended use only as part of a structured training program with appropriate safety measures employed," according to the study authors. "Policy makers must consider whether the similarities observed in bouncer-related injuries warrant a similar response."
The authors of the study suggest that improvements in bounce house design and close supervision during usage provide an effective approach to reducing the risk of serious injury. Clear instructions and proper warnings can also be an effective method of preventing or reducing the likelihood of injury.
Depending on the precise circumstances, there may be multiple legal claims for compensation that arise out of a bounce house accident. If the injury is caused by defects in the design, manufacturing or warnings associated with the jumper, the injury victim may have a product liability claim against any company in the jumper manufacturing or distribution chain. When a child is injured while attending the birthday party of a friend, premises liability law may provide the basis for financial compensation particularly where there is insufficient supervision.
Our Atlanta personal injury attorneys are available to represent kids injured in bounce house accidents throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or Free 24-hour Live Online Chat.