Are Trampolines a Fun Recreational Activity or Unreasonably Dangerous Hazards?
Trampolines can be an enjoyable source of entertainment and exercise, but they also pose dangers when they are not used or installed properly. Trampoline accidents can occur when using a trampoline in the backyard of a neighbor or in a recreation center managed by a commercial business. According to a USA Today article, an American Academy of Pediatrics’ policy statement on trampoline safety published in the medical journal Pediatrics has concluded that trampolines are “inherently dangerous.” The policy statement strongly discourages use of trampolines according to the USA story.
While parents may presume that padding and enclosures make a trampoline safe for kids, the author of the policy statement told the USA Today that these safety features do not significantly reduce the risk of injury. The conclusions of the policy statement have been mirrored by similar statements by other groups, which include the Canadian Pediatric Society, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine according to the USA Today report.
While the sale of trampolines is declining after it peaked a few years ago, the number of trampoline injuries and the pattern of their severity has not seen a comparable decline according to the Pediatrics’ policy co-author. The National Electronic Surveillance System indicates that there were almost 100,000 people injured in trampoline accidents during a recent twelve month period. Broken bones, fractures and dislocations account for almost half of the injuries suffered in trampoline accidents.
The policy statement indicates a number of trends in terms of the situations that are more likely to cause injury, as well as those that are more likely to be victims. Approximately 3 in 4 accidents occur while multiple people are jumping on the trampoline at the same time. Children under age 5 are more likely than older users to suffer injury. The most dangerous and common types of accidents involve falls from the trampoline. The policy statement indicates that falls account for between 25-40 percent of trampoline accidents that result in injury.
A fall from a trampoline can result in permanent life-altering injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, neck injury or spinal cord injury. The policy statement indicates that ten to seventeen percent of trampoline-related injuries involve the head or neck. The risk of suffering a debilitating trampoline injury is so significant that many homeowners’ insurance policies provide an express exclusion for trampolines according to the USA Today story.
If your child is injured in a trampoline accident, he or she may have a claim for financial compensation to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life and other forms of damages depending on the specific facts and circumstances. If a defect in the design or a lack of adequate warnings contributed to the trampoline accident, the manufacturer of the trampoline might be legally responsible. If the owner of a commercial trampoline recreation park or private homeowner does not provide adequate supervision or protection to those using the trampoline, the property owner may be liable for injuries.
If you or someone close to you has been injured while using a trampoline, our experienced Georgia personal injury lawyers at Montlick and Associates are available to provide effective legal representation to those throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. For over 39 years our attorneys have been fighting for the rights of injured people and helping them get the compensation they deserve.
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 24-hour Live Online Chat.