Trampoline parks have become increasingly popular in the last several years, including here in New Jersey. Parents should be aware that trampoline park injuries are causing a large increase in emergency room visits.
Statistics gathered by researchers at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) show there were 6,932 emergency room visits nationwide last year involving trampoline park injuries. In 2010, trampoline park injuries were responsible for 581 emergency room visits. Trampoline parks have not become more dangerous, but more abundant. In 2011, there were only 25 trampoline parks in the United States. By 2014, there were 280 trampoline parks.
Trampoline park guests are injured when they attempt flips, run into other jumpers or land on frames or springs. Typical injuries include broken bones, concussions, sprains and fractures. Why are guests being injured? In some cases, trampoline parks have lackluster safety policies. Parks may allow too many people per trampoline or permit guests to perform dangerous maneuvers, such as flips.
Also consider that trampolines are hazardous in general. The American Academy of Pediatrics has previously advised parents not to buy trampolines due to the risk of injury. Statistics gathered by CCMC show that trampolines were responsible for 92,000 emergency room visits (injuries sustained at parks and homes) between 2010 and 2014. Boys were more likely to be hurt than girls, and younger children were most likely to suffer more serious injuries.
If you or your children have been injured at a trampoline park, do not assume that you lack options. The New Jersey personal injury attorneys at Keefe Law Firm can help parents find legal options for holding negligent trampoline parks accountable for injuries.
