Serious Injuries Raise Concern About Trampoline Safety

Interest in trampolines has been on the rise, thanks to the fact that the Olympics added competitive trampoline to the summer games in 2000, and the increase in the number of commercial trampoline parks.

As a result, the number of injuries involving trampolines has also been on the rise. In fact, there have been so many injuries associated with trampolines that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has suggested that trampolines never be used in outdoor playgrounds or inside of someone’s home. Instead, the association suggests that trampolines only be used in supervised training programs, such as in gymnastics classes, where strict safety guidelines are being followed.

Common injuries sustained by children in trampoline accidents include broken bones, head injuries, bruises, sprains, strains, chest injuries, neck injuries and spinal cord injuries.

Trampoline Safety Tips

The following tips can help keep children safe when they’re using a trampoline.

• Only one person should use the trampoline at a time
  
• Trampolines should be placed on level ground and be a safe distance from structures like trees
  
• Don’t allow a child under six-years-old to use a trampoline
  
• Install a trampoline enclosure that covers the trampoline’s springs, hooks and frame, which can help prevent injuries if someone falls off
  
• Use safety nets and shock-absorbing pads with the trampoline
  
• Don’t allow anyone to do somersaults on the trampoline
  
• Always supervise when someone is on the trampoline

Even the most diligent supervision cannot always stop a child from getting hurt. Sometimes there are unforeseen problems, such as defects in manufacture or design of trampolines themselves that make them dangerous products.

In other instances a child is injured while playing on a trampoline at another child’s house and the owner of the home was negligent in supervising the children while they were using the trampoline.

Know Your Rights

Whatever the cause of a child’s injuries, it is important for parents to know that their child will be okay and will be able to receive the necessary medical help required for a full recovery. Speaking with an experienced Bay Area personal injury attorney can help. An aggressive attorney with a background handling both products liability as well as personal injury claims can review the options available to you.