Georgia Trampolines: Fun Recreation or Fatal Risk
The trampoline is a very popular toy, with roughly three million owned in the United States according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). It is easy to see why trampolines are so popular as they are entertaining and excellent fitness tools due to their low-impact muscle-building and cardiovascular fitness effects. Unfortunately, trampolines can also be the cause of serious debilitating accidents that result in catastophic injuries and even death. The serious risk of injury from a trampoline is most frequently linked to defects in the design or manufacturing of the trampoline, inadequate instructions and warning regarding assembly or use and poor supervision by homeowners.
Although the potential danger posed by trampolines has been widely known for over forty years, it was the growth in popularity of trampolines between 1990-99, which resulted in an explosion in the number of injuries. The CPSC receives reports of over 100,000 injuries per year associated with the use of trampolines. Two-thirds of those injuries involve children under the age of 15. Given that children can reach heights of 30 feet above the trampoline with some models, the frequency and severity of trampoline injuries is hardly surprising. This is why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has indicated that it is opposed to the use of trampolines in homes, on playgrounds, or in physical education classes regardless of the safety features that are installed.
If someone is going to use a trampoline, certain safety features are essential. Installing a trampoline net enclosure can greatly reduce the injuries caused by falling off of the trampoline. The trampoline should be kept on level ground in a large area to ensure that there are no catastrophic bounces off the edge of a deck or elevated surface. When assembling a trampoline, it is important to examine the support struts and other inelastic parts of the trampoline as well as the trampoline itself to ensure there is adequate padding. It is also best to have only one person at a time on the trampoline. Most important of all, adult supervision is a necessity anytime children are using a trampoline. A trampoline is much like a swimming pool in that adult supervision is the best way to protect your children.
If these safety measures are not followed or insufficient to prevent injury to your child, your child may be entitled to compensation for his or her injuries. The manufacturer may be held liable if the trampoline itself was defective, such as missing springs or padding or possessing inadequate safety features, instructions or warnings. A homeowner who is not providing adequate supervision or who fails to safely assemble or maintain the trampoline may also be liable for injuries from a trampoline. A fall from a trampoline can result in catastrophic injuries including serious brain damage, neck injuries, spinal cord damage, paralysis and even death. If your child has suffered serious injuries in a trampoline accident, contact the experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Montlick and Associates to discuss your rights to compensation and to learn how we can help.
Our experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyers are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. 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.