Family hires VB Attorneys after child injured at trampoline park

We have been hired by a Houston family whose son was injured at a local trampoline park. In January, our clients went to an indoor trampoline park. Their son suffered a serious injury at the trampoline park.

His parents have hired us to help them hold the indoor trampoline park accountable for the safety failures that caused their son’s injury. 

Indoor trampoline parks causing injuries across the United States

Indoor trampoline parks are becoming more and more popular across the United States. These parks market themselves as great for kids, but the injuries occurring across the country tell a different story.  

What they don’t tell you is that there really aren’t industry rules or guidelines. The only people making the rules are the trampoline parks themselves. There are no third-party independent safety groups making evidence-based safety rules that include regular inspections, maintenance, and safety training. 

An expert witness in more than 200 plaintiff cases against trampoline parks told CBS that the injuries these parks cause are “life-altering.” He continued, saying, “the danger lies in the design.” 

Indoor trampoline parks usually feature wall-to-wall trampolines with padded walls or angled trampoline walls. Because the trampolines are connected with steel cables or chain links under thin padding, jumping on one can cause a chain reaction on surrounding trampolines. As people jump, waves of energy radiate out in all directions, which can cause dangerous situations that end in high-impact collisions.

Emergency room visits caused by trampoline park injuries have skyrocketed from 2,500 in 2013 to nearly 18,000 in 2017, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In 2014, trampoline parks caused 7,000 people to be sent to the ER with injuries. Below is a graph from a study published in Pediatrics on trampoline park injuries that outlines the huge increase in trampoline park injuries in the past decade. 

Trampoline parks cause more injuries than home trampolines

In 2011, there were about 40 trampoline parks across the country. By 2014, there were 280. five to six new parks open each month. By the end of 2018, there were probably close to 500 parks open nationwide. 

Children ages 6-17 account for most of the injuries at home and at trampoline parks. Sprains and fractures are the most common trampoline injuries, but you’re 61% more likely to suffer a sprain at a trampoline park than at home. Dislocated joints were more than twice as likely to occur at trampoline parks. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against trampolines for all children. The Pediatrics study found that trampoline park injuries are more likely to involve a lower extremity injury or dislocation and are more likely to require people get admitted to the hospital for treatment. 

Common causes of injuries at trampoline parks include falls, contact with other jumpers, and flips. The study concluded that trampoline parks pose a high risk for leg injuries because of how high people are jumping and for the speeds they attain while jumping. These factors cause more stress on the lower extremities. Another factor that contributes to leg injuries is landing on the trampoline frames, springs, surrounding poles, and other structures. 

What to do if you signed a release at a trampoline park and your child was seriously injured or killed

Trampoline parks usually make parents and guardians sign releases before anyone can use the facility. They require these releases because they know the dangers. These releases openly warn you about the possibility of broken bones and paralysis. 

If your child suffered serious injuries or a fatal injury at a trampoline park, you should consult an attorney even if you signed a release. If you did not sign a release, you should consult an attorney. You are on the hook for medical bills, future medical care, and the costs associated with recovering from that injury. 

As one expert stated, these injuries are often life-altering. Physically, psychologically, and financially. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine if the release is enforceable. We can also help you determine if the trampoline park should be held accountable as well as determine if there were any safety failures or design defects. 

At our firm, we hold unsafe, negligent, and irresponsible corporations accountable every day. To find out how we can help you get justice and fair compensation for your trampoline park injury, call us now at 877-724-7800 or fill out a contact form. Our experienced, Board Certified personal injury attorneys will answer your questions, help you determine if you have a case, and help you make an informed decision about how to proceed.