Are Trampoline Parks Too Dangerous?

By: Cohen, Placitella & Roth @ Sep 05, 2016

Trampoline parks have gained popularity in recent years, with young kids, teens, and even adults becoming enthralled with wall-to-wall opportunities to bounce around. But while trampoline parks are certainly fun, they may not be safe. In fact, a study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics found that trampoline park-related emergency room department visits is on the rise. If you’re a parent with a child who loves to jump around, here is what you need to know about trampoline park safety and personal injury law.

The Study: Number of Trampoline Park-related Injuries on the Rise

According to the study, the number of trampoline park-related injuries is on the rise. To be sure, in 2014, the number of trampoline-park related emergency room visits was 6,932; in the year 2010, that number was just under 600.

The study further reported that those most likely to be injured at trampoline parks were male children, on average 13 years of age.

What Injuries Are Most Common at Trampoline Parks?

Not surprisingly, the injuries most common at trampoline parks are injuries to the lower extremities, most notably sprains and fracture injuries. While sprains and most fractures usually heal fully with time and are considered relatively minor injuries, the study also reported that more serious injuries – including open fractures, brain injuries and spinal cord injuries – were reported as well. When compared to injuries incurred on home trampolines, those injured at trampoline parks showed higher odds of hospital admission, although head injuries were more common at home. (As a note, there were an average of 91,750 home trampoline-related hospital visits recorded from 2010 to 2014).

The Growth of Trampoline Parks

More people are turning to trampoline parks as a form of amusement, and as such, the construction of trampoline parks is one the rise. In 2011, there were around 35-40 trampoline parks in existence in the entirety of the United States; in 2014, that number had grown to 280. It is estimated that about five or six new parks open every month.

When a facility opens, it has a very high duty of care to those who enter its premises. This obligation includes the duty to ensure that trampolines are well maintained, that there is adequate padding, and that padding does not have any rips, tears, exposed springs, or exposed springs or bars – parents should double-check these things before letting their children jump around, as recommended by an article in Philly.com. The article also reminds parents that the American Academy of Pediatrics discourages allowing children five years of age or younger to jump on trampolines.

Call an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Philadelphia

If your child is injured on a trampoline in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, and you believe that the injury would not have occurred but for a breach of the duty above on the part of the trampoline facility, you may have a personal injury case. To learn more, contact the experienced premises liability attorneys at the law firm of Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C. today for a free case consultation.