Trampoline parks are a popular activity for many children and adults. However, there is a growing concern about safety. Are trampoline parks safe, or do they pose risks to those who visit them?
At Barrera Law Group LLC, we have seen many injuries over the years. Usually, the most innocent activities can lead to serious injuries that last a lifetime.
Before you head to a trampoline park, make sure to look at the potential dangers at these facilities.
Risks and Dangers of These Facilities
Visitors can bounce, flip, and perform acrobatics in a controlled environment at a trampoline park. In New Mexico, these parks attract families, friends, and fitness enthusiasts to test their jumping skills. But beneath the excitement lies a darker reality: visiting a trampoline park can be a risky endeavor.
Trampoline parks, or adventure parks, are fun spots for children and adults to engage in physical activities. However, there are plenty of risks with these parks. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, one study looked at 13,256 injured trampoline park users, and around 11% sustained a significant injury.
Fractures and sprains are some of the most common injuries. Since this activity involves jumping, it can put stress on bones, especially for developing children. When someone lands awkwardly or collides with other jumpers, that can also lead to injuries.
Head and neck injuries are another serious concern. Collisions with other jumpers, falls from heights, or attempting flips without proper technique result in concussions, spinal cord injuries, and even paralysis.
Unfortunately, around 20% to 30% of children with trampoline injuries need surgery, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Keep in mind that trampoline parks are not only dangerous to children. Even adults are susceptible to serious injuries. According to 2014 report from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “medical, legal, liability, work loss, and pain and suffering costs related to trampoline injuries were estimated at nearly $9 billion.”
While you may head to trampoline parks for a fun and enjoyable experience, you need to be aware of the potential risks and dangers. For the most part, park operators take precautions to ensure the safety of their visitors. But sometimes, they can act in a reckless manner, which can lead to injuries.
Why Do Trampoline Park Accidents Happen?
Trampoline parks have become increasingly popular, but they remain unregulated. Unfortunately, with a lack of oversight, safety standards can vary from one park to another.
While most people may believe every park adheres to the strictest standards, that is not always the case. Parks can fail to keep their visitors safe in the following ways:
Inadequate Staff Training and Supervision
Staff members need to be trained in the proper safety protocols. Some trampoline parks hire young or inexperienced employees, and they may not fully understand safety protocols. Proper training is needed to reduce risky behavior, enforce rules, and respond to emergencies. Accidents occur when staff members are not trained or do not know of these responsibilities.
Lack of Maintenance and Inspections
Springs, mats, and springs can wear out, especially when people jump on these surfaces regularly. If the park does not perform regular maintenance and inspection of these components, it can be a safety hazard. All trampoline parks need to routinely perform repairs and checks, otherwise, it can lead to serious injuries to park visitors.
Ignoring Safety Guidelines
Most trampoline manufacturers offer guidelines to ensure users’ safety. For this reason, they advise against double-bouncing, overcrowding, and other unsafe behaviors. Once again, the trampoline park must advise its staff members to monitor all jumpers to prevent these activities from injuring other visitors.
Poorly Designed Facilities
Unfortunately, some facilities are poorly designed, and that can cause injuries to participants. For example, they might have insufficient safety zones, inadequate padding, or even poorly positioned trampolines. All that can lead to an increase in falls from the platform and collisions with other jumpers, causing significant injuries.
Mitigating Risks
In many parks, the management requires jumpers and visitors to watch safety videos before jumping. These videos show proper jumping techniques, rules, and potential hazards.
Additionally, all participants or their guardians must sign liability waivers acknowledging the inherent risks involved in trampoline jumping. However, signing a piece of paper is not sufficient to make sure that everyone stays safe. It is up to the trampoline parks to adhere to higher safety standards.
Trampoline park owners and operators have a legal and ethical duty of care to provide a safe environment for their patrons. This duty falls under the premises liability principles.
This duty extends to everyone who enters the facility, including children, teenagers, and adults. With that, park owners and operators must take reasonable steps to minimize risks associated with trampoline activities by:
- Regularly inspecting and maintaining equipment
- Providing adequate supervision and training for all staff members
- Implementing appropriate safety measures, such as padding and safety nets
Also, trampoline parks should provide clear safety guidelines and rules for patrons to follow. These rules should specify the number of people allowed on a trampoline at one time, restrictions on certain types of activities, and provide safety instructions before allowing anyone to use the equipment.
Trampoline parks can offer an enjoyable experience, but visitors must approach them with caution. However, it is up to the facilities to provide a safe environment for all their patrons. When they fail to do so, they could be liable for any injuries suffered by their visitors. In those situations, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against those responsible parties.