Are Trampoline Parks Causing Injuries to Children?
Trampoline parks have become increasingly popular over the last several years. Unfortunately, so have injuries at these establishments. According to research published in the medical journal Pediatrics, trampoline park injuries have jumped from fewer than 600 in 2010 to more than 6,900 in 2014. Several recent news stories involving trampoline park injuries are attracting national media attention.A Florida mother’s photo of her 3-year-old son’s trampoline park injury has been shared on Facebook more than 275,000 times. The 3-year-old broke his leg after an outing at the local trampoline park. The boy required bed rest for more than two months and weeks of physical therapy.Trampolines can be dangerous for people of all ages. However, they are especially dangerous for young children. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, children under the age of 6 should never jump on trampolines – at an indoor park or elsewhere. Children can suffer injuries after slamming into each other or landing on the metal springs. An improper landing on a trampoline may cause a spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury or broken bones.Trampoline parks or trampoline manufacturers may sometimes be responsible for injuries. For example, children are more likely to be injured on a trampoline if they are not properly supervised. Injuries are also more likely to occur when trampolines are poorly maintained or contain defects.
Can I File a Lawsuit for Trampoline Park Injuries?
Dozens of lawsuits have been filed against trampoline parks in Texas and across the country. Last year in Houston, a teenager received a $11.5 million verdict due to a traumatic brain injury he suffered at Cosmic Jump, an indoor trampoline park. In another case, a Washington teenager suffered a spinal cord injury at a trampoline park. His family also filed a lawsuit.Although trampoline parks may require you to sign a waiver, they may still be held accountable for injuries. In some cases, you can still receive damages from a personal injury lawsuit against these establishments even if you have signed a waiver. The parents of the injured teenager in Houston had signed a waiver, but that did not stop their son from receiving an $11.5 million jury verdict.Unfortunately, some people may assume that because they signed a waiver, they are ineligible to file a lawsuit. This could prove to be a costly mistake if you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury. If you or your child were injured at an indoor park, the Texas personal injury attorneys at Mike Love & Associates, LLC can help you discover whether you could file a lawsuit.