Trampoline Park Injuries

Indoor trampoline parks have become more popular in recent years – but the number of injuries associated with them has also been increasing. Although they may seem like a worry-free and fun-filled activity, the truth is that they can be extremely dangerous.

Trampoline Parks: General Info and Injury Reports

Trampolines are devices that use taut, strong fabric stretched between steel frames with numerous coiled springs underneath. The frame and fabric allow children, teens, and adults (product weight and safety requirements vary, of course) to bounce on the trampolines for recreational purposes. Sky Zone is one of the leading indoor family entertainment chains around the world. At indoor trampoline parks such as Sky Zone, there are several connected trampolines that customers can use at the same time as one another. Most indoor trampoline parks offer similar services, which means the accompanying risks of injury are also the same.

In the Delaware Valley alone, a recent investigation uncovered more than three hundred 911 calls (from just 14 different trampoline parks) over a three-and-a-half year period between 2015 and 2018. The calls recounted injuries ranging from serious to nearly fatal. The injuries – which were all children and teenagers – included a severed foot, a broken neck, broken femurs and fractured ankles, as well as a permanent brain injury. Most of the parents said that before the unthinkable happened, they thought: “just how dangerous could a trampoline park be?”

The answer: very dangerous and potentially deadly. Don McPherson, a gymnastic industry expert, says the number of reported injuries is far lower than the actual number. For example, in some cases parents simply take their injured children from the trampoline park to the hospital, which makes the number of 911 calls lower. McPherson advises parents to keep their kids safe by not allowing them to go to trampoline parks at all.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on Indoor Trampoline Parks

A report published by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), one of the nations leading pediatric hospitals, focused on trampoline park injuries. The report notes that while the number of home trampoline injuries have not increased in recent years, the number of injuries at trampoline parks has grown dramatically. Not only does this indicate a wealth of serious hazards that accompany trampoline parks, but it also points to a lack of health and safety regulations in place to protect unsuspecting victims – many of which are young kids and teens.

Some of the most common injuries – as well as some of the most dangerous scenarios – associated with indoor trampoline park use includes:

• Lower extremity (e.g. leg) injuries;
• Sprains, fractures, and dislocations;
• Coming into contact with another jumper or jumpers;
• Injuries that occur when a person flips or tries to flip;
• Injuries occurring on landing, and:
• Neck injuries (particularly in adults, whereas children are more likely to experience broken bones)

What do Experts Say?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that people stay away from using trampolines for recreational purposes in general – that means whether they are home trampolines or ones at indoor trampoline parks. To read the AAP’s official recommendation on trampoline use, please visit this page.

Despite all the warnings that are out there, some people will continue to patronize indoor trampoline parks. If you – or your child or teen – decide to visit a trampoline park, please take every possible precaution to limit the likelihood of a serious injury. Researchers from CHOP recommend taking the following steps:

• Only use a trampoline if you are the only jumper on it. Do not jump at the same time as someone else;
• Avoid flips and somersaults altogether;
• Provide adult supervision AT ALL TIMES, and:
• Do not allow children under 6-years-old to use trampolines.

If you have questions or concerns regarding an injury that took place at an indoor trampoline park or because of an unreasonably unsafe home trampoline, please contact a representative at our firm who can help direct your call.

Philadelphia Premises Liability Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP Representing Injured Individuals Since 1947

If you or your child were injured at an indoor trampoline park, we are happy to answer your questions and have one of our Philadelphia premises liability lawyers review your case for free. Galfand Berger has offices located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, call us at 800-222-8792 or complete our online contact form.