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Trampoline Park Injuries Increasing by Leaps and Bounds
The popularity of trampoline parks has soared in recent years. In 2015, there were an estimated 40 parks nationwide; today, there are over 800. That surge has placed a spotlight on trampoline park injuries, which range from minor sprains and strains to fractures, dislocations, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. The American Academy of Pediatrics reported that trampoline park incidents resulted in nearly 7,000 ER visits in 2017—and have surely risen since.
Three-quarters of injuries involve two or more individuals on a trampoline at the same time. Collisions, bad landings, falling or jumping off the trampoline, or landing on springs and frames precipitate most injuries.
According to the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, over one-third of injuries involve broken bones. The trampoline park industry is largely unregulated, which is highly concerning, but premises liability law does require that trampoline parks take reasonable measures to keep patrons safe. That includes repairing and properly maintaining trampolines, blocking off unsafe areas, displaying usage rules near the trampolines, and posting trained attendants to enforce the rules.
Trampoline park visitors are required to sign liability waivers, which seemingly absolve the park of any responsibility for accidents and injuries. That may generally be the case for common, minor injuries (e.g., sprains and strains), but if a park is found negligent, a person sustaining a serious injury generally has the green light to seek compensation. In addition, some states have ruled that minors cannot sign away their rights, even if a parent signed the waiver.
If you or a loved one gets injured at a trampoline park, contact a premises liability attorney at Corradino & Papa, LLC to protect your rights.