Trampoline Park Injury
Trampoline Parks – Fun or Dangerous?
The new popular activity for children across the country is trampoline parks. Trampoline parks are a wonderful option for high-energy children during winter months or on rainy days. However, with fun comes the potential dangers. Let’s take a look at the real risk of trampoline park injury.
Although trampoline parks promise to fulfill your child’s delight, injuries happen. We get calls all the time. Additionally, 6 ABC news investigated the injuries that can occur at trampoline parks. Their investigation found broken bones, a broken neck, a severed foot, concussion, and irreparable brain trauma.
Trampoline Park Injury Liability Waiver
New Jersey alone has seen dozens of injury lawsuits due to trampoline park injuries. Pre-injury liability waivers in New Jersey do not apply to minors. The court decided such liability waivers violate public policy and are unenforceable.
For example, if a parent signs a waiver on behalf of the child, it cannot prevent an injury claim. Liability waivers cover the majority of small injuries. Winning a lawsuit for a small injury is unlikely.
Major injuries lawsuits, however, have a greater chance of being successful. Negligence causes major injuries. And, negligence is enough to overcome the liability waiver. One such negligence case resulted in a teenager falling through a hole in the trampoline. They suffered a life-changing, severe brain injury as a result.
Proving Negligence
It is the responsibility of trampoline parks to maintain their trampolines. They also need to provide proper supervising staff. Where there is negligence, an injury to a child may occur. Defective and faulty parts also fall under the responsibility of trampoline parks. Their duty is to routinely inspect and replace all faulty parts. Additionally, they must provide proper supervision from trained professionals. This will prevent injury to jumpers.
Trampoline Park Negligence
To file a lawsuit for negligence, a plaintiff must prove:
- Someone else had a duty of care to keep the victim out of harm’s way,
- That person breached their duty of care,
- That breach caused the victim’s injuries, and
- The extent of the injuries that the victim suffered
Expert Opinion
Gymnastics industry expert Don McPherson gave this advice. For parents wanting to take the children to trampoline parks: “Don’t go.” One notorious cause of injury is being double-bounced. A double-bounce is where two children land on the trampoline at the same time. This forces one child to be propelled into the air with little to no control over their landing.
McPherson also urges parents to think twice before attending the trampoline parks. This is due to the differing resistance of the trampolines. The harder and softer spots on the trampoline are indistinguishable. This creates an injury risk to jumpers.
Lawsuit Against Trampoline Park
Timing is key with a trampoline park injury lawsuit. Many places have video surveillance. But, most places keep video a short time before deleting. Additionally, the statute of limitations allows a certain amount of time to file a claim.
Trampoline Park Injury Lawyer In New Jersey And Philadelphia
If your child has a trampoline park injury, contact our lawyers at Kane & Silverman. We are an experienced premises liability law firm. Get the compensation that will cover your child’s medical bills, pain, suffering, and more.
Call or text us today at 215-232-1000 to speak to a lawyer about your situation. Or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and advice. We don’t charge anything for our services unless we recover money for you.