With Spring officially here, you may be searching for ways to encourage your children to get outside and play. One way to make your backyard an outdoor destination is to have fun structures that children can use. Popular choices include tire swings, swing sets, sandboxes, and trampolines. Trampolines have become very popular backyard items in the last decade. Children love the idea of bouncing, and it is a great way for them to burn off some energy. While trampolines can be a ton of fun for children of a range of ages, they also pose a serious threat of injury. In 2014, close to 105,000 injuries were reported to the Consumer Products Safety Review.
Injuries from a trampoline range from minor scrapes and cuts to more serious injuries like fractured lower extremities, concussions, and other head and neck injuries that can sometimes lead to paralysis or even death. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents do not have trampolines at home and that trampolines only be used in training programs for competitive athletes. However, if you do choose to purchase a home trampoline, or allow your child to use trampolines at others, make sure that the following precautions are taken:
- Call insurance company. Before deciding to purchase a trampoline, call your insurance company and let them know what you are considering doing. Some insurance policies do not cover trampolines, and in some cases, an additional rider must be purchased to cover any trampoline-related injuries to guests.
- Ensure the proper Select a flat surface to set up the trampoline and secure tightly to the ground. Never place a trampoline on a hill or uneven surface. Use an enclosure around the trampoline to prevent children from falling off and onto the ground. Cover springs with padding to make sure fingers and feet do not get caught. Do not place a ladder near the trampoline to ensure that young children do not accidentally climb up.
- Establish rules. Accidents often are caused when children perform stunts, or multiple children are jumping at the same time. Use these rules as a basic guideline:
- No jumping unless there is an adult able to supervise.
- Jumpers must be six years old or older.
- Only one jumper at a time.
- No flips, somersaults, or other tricks.
- Perform regular maintenance checks. Check the trampoline often to make everything is in good repair. Make sure to examine the padding covering the springs, the springs, the enclosure, and mesh fabric are all in working condition. Lastly, make sure that the trampoline is properly anchored to the ground. Strong winds can sometimes cause a trampoline to become untethered.
- Know what to do in case of an injury. If the injury is minor, use proper first aid procedures. If you suspect a sprain, ice is often a good choice, but follow-up with your physician. If you suspect a head or neck injury, do not move the persons and contact paramedics immediately.
One last note for parents is that if your child is seriously injured at a trampoline park, contact an attorney. All too often parents assume that since they signed a waiver, that the park is not liable for the injuries their child sustained. This is not necessarily true.
If your child suffered a serious injury while using a trampoline, you may be able to hold the trampoline owner accountable. The reputable team of Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. are skilled litigators and are ready and willing to work with you to make sure that you receive a fair outcome. You can trust our attorneys to make sure that your Missouri or Kansas case is treated with the professional care it deserves. To schedule a free and completely confidential consultation to discuss your options, contact our office today at (816) 472-4673.