While jumping up and down, and learning how to do flips may be exciting for a child or teenager; trampoline fun often comes at a price. While there are trampoline gyms that have been created to provide the most safe environment possible for the jumpers, even then, kids still get hurt; how much more so are they being injured in backyards? According to a policy statement made by pediatricians, these trampoline devices, particularly those in backyards, need to be discouraged as they are a “intrinsically dangerous” for all users.
According to Maine sports medicine pediatrician and co-author of the American Academy of Pediatrics statement on trampoline safety, Michele LaBotz says even when a trampoline is used with safety nets in a person’s backyard, these devises are often not made to withstand all incidents and people still get hurt. In the proper environment at a trampoline park, these can be safer to use as long as the proper supervision and training is done, though in a backyard it is very likely that none of the above are being accomplished by parents—especially with older teens. LaBoltz points out overall statistics have shown a decrease in the number of injuries caused by trampolines, though that doesn’t diminish the severity of the injuries; as there is still a significant pattern seen. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System shows in the year 2009 there were about 98,000 injuries related to the use of a trampoline; 3,100 of which required hospitalization.
Out of those total injuries 48% of them were fractures or dislocations and the other injuries were smaller such as strains, sprains or contusions. Injuries from trampolines often times involve falling from the trampoline itself which can turn into head and neck injuries; these injuries have accounted for between 27% to 39% of all the accidents. Sadly, these head and neck injuries can lead to much more severe injuries if the incident is unsupervised and the child’s injuries are not addressed immediately. LeBolts brings up the fact that a majority of parents don’t realize the risks of these trampolines in their backyards. Trampolines are so serious that many home insurance companies will list on their contracts they will not cover damages done from these instances or there must be enclosed areas for them to offer accident coverage.
If your minor was injured at another home while playing on their trampoline, there are a number of situations which could be the reason for their injury. Whether it is lack of supervision, failure to put up safety guards, or allowing more people on the trampoline than safe; you may be able to prove the fault of the injury resting with the owner of the home rather than your child. Contact Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers today for the Shreveport injury lawyer you deserve on your side!
