Study Highlights Risk Of Trampoline Injuries In Children

doctors examine x rays

As the popularity of indoor trampoline facilities continues to grow across the nation, researchers recently undertook to assess the dangers such parks may pose to young children and better understand the types of injuries often sustained there. According to the August issue of Pediatrics, the rate of injuries experienced at trampoline parks has risen dramatically between 2010 and 2014, from approximately 600 such events to almost 7,000.

Trampoline injury study

The authors of the study used data taken from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, which yielded key information concerning emergency room visits during the relevant period. This material was then aggregated with statistical information regarding injuries suffered on home trampolines, which were found not to have increased in a meaningful way. In general, children who sustain trampoline injuries do so while falling, colliding with another participant or attempting a flip maneuver which ultimately fails.

According to the research study, fractures and sprains represented the lion’s share of injuries suffered on trampolines, with harm to the lower extremities more common at trampoline parks. Head injuries were more likely to occur on home trampolines. Children injured on trampolines at home were tended to be to the upper limbs, with forearm and elbow fractures commonly seen. An important finding of the study was the fact that injuries suffered at trampoline parks had a greater probability of being severe in nature, with open fractures, dislocations and even spinal cord injuries among those observed.

Findings echo growing physician concerns

A 2016 survey of emergency room physicians found that a majority of those professionals would decline to have a trampoline installed at their homes. Trampolines, in fact, topped a list of eight items physicians refused to keep at home, with safety concerns cited as the primary reason. Given that statistics have estimated that over 250,000 individuals have been injured by or on trampolines in the past ten years, this revelation should come as no surprise.

Industry advocate issues response to study

In the aftermath of this study, the International Association of Trampoline Parks (IATP) issued a statement welcoming all research concerning trampoline safety. IATP officials argued that the perceived uptick in trampoline injuries is attributable simply to the increased numbers of parks in existence. At the same time, the association emphasized its desire for additional studies to be conducted which will shed light on safety matters and serve as a basis for widespread education and awareness.

IATP officials highlighted the need for appropriate levels of supervision at parks as well as proper design and padding of facilities. The association urged parks to adhere to the ASTM International Standard for Trampoline Courts, aimed at establishing manufacturing standards, park monitoring rules, training protocols and the like.

Trampoline park and inflatable playplace liability

When a day of fun at a trampoline or inflatable park necessitates a trip to the emergency room, disappointment, frustration and anger is felt by entire families. This is particularly the case when the harm suffered is suspected to be the result of negligence on the part of the park operator, staff or an equipment manufacturer.

Some common scenarios which may lead to liability on the part of an amusement facility of this type include:

  • Employee inattention or carelessness
  • Failure to post appropriate warning signs
  • Failure to educate supervisory staff
  • Failure to routinely inspect equipment
  • Improper instruction of guests on safety measures

It should also be noted that victims of trampoline or inflatable park injuries may have been harmed by defectively manufactured, maintained or inspected equipment. When this is the case, it may be possible to pursue a product liability claim in order to secure substantial financial compensation and a sense of accountability from responsible parties. Regardless of the type of negligence responsible for an amusement park in jury, victims may be eligible to receive payment for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, pain, suffering and more.

Injury lawyers helping New York families

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured at a trampoline facility or inflatable playplace, there is no reason to face the resulting challenges alone. The Sanders Firm is prepared to conduct a thorough investigation of the facts of your case and offer the insights you need to make informed decisions about your future. For a free initial consultation, we invite you to call us at 1-800-FAIR-PLAY. Resources

  1. Pediatrics, Trampoline Park and Home Trampoline Injuries, https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2016/07/28/peds.2016-1236
  2. International Association of Trampoline Parks, International Association of Trampoline Parks Statement in Response to The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Trampoline Park and Home Trampoline Injury Study, https://iatp.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_lyftenbloggie&view=entry&year=2016&month=07&day=31&id=27:international-association-of-trampoline-parks-iatp-statement-in-response-to-the-american-academy-of-pediatrics-trampoline-park-and-home-trampoline-injury-study&Itemid=142