Trampolines are a common source of backyard entertainment. Some people even pay to go to large trampoline parks with many different types of trampolines to enjoy bouncing with friends and family. Athletes may train on trampolines, and they are also an excellent way for children to be active without leaving their family’s property.
For all of the fun and exercise that trampolines can provide, they are also a major source of injury risk. Parents with children and adults who enjoy energetic activities need to be aware of the risks inherent in using a trampoline accordingly.
Bouncing can cause catastrophic injuries
Obviously, any kind of athletic exertion puts people at risk of sports injuries. People can overexert themselves while bouncing, leading to soft tissue injuries that cause pain and impede their athletic performance.
Overexertion is the least of the major safety concerns associated with trampolines. All it takes is one poorly-timed bounce for an individual to go flying off a trampoline. Children often have a difficult time gauging their own momentum. Adults, especially those who may have enjoyed recreational substances previously, can also make mistakes that lead to broken bones or worse.
When a bouncer travels off the trampoline, they come down on the ground hard enough to fracture bones or cause much more significant injuries. Trampoline incidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries if people hit their heads as they fall.
Spinal cord injuries are also possible. In fact, a bouncer does not need to go off of the trampoline to be at risk of damaging their spinal cord permanently. Those attempting to flip can land on their head, neck or shoulders. They could sustain a spinal cord injury.
Those injuries range from minor injuries that may respond to treatment to complete spinal cord injuries that result in permanent paralysis. Parents with children who enjoy jumping and adults planning a trip to a trampoline park may need to refresh themselves on the best safety practices.
Liability for trampoline accidents
Property owners and companies operating trampoline parks are sometimes responsible for injuries, especially in scenarios where improper maintenance may have contributed to the situation. Reviewing the circumstances surrounding a trampoline incident that caused a spinal cord injury or other serious medical challenges with a skilled legal team can help people seek compensation for medical expenses and other economic losses.
