In an updated statement recently issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the group is once again strongly discouraging the use of trampolines in homes and backyards. Dr. Michele LaBotz, who co-authored the “Trampoline Safety in Childhood and Adolescence” policy update, described the recreational equipment as “intrinsically dangerous” even with accompanying safety features, such as padding and netting enclosures.
According to the report, while trampoline sales have gone down in the last
several years, the “severity and pattern of injuries” have
not. Approximately 75% of trampoline injuries occurred while multiple
people were jumping on the equipment at the same time. Kids under the
age of 6 are most at risk of get hurt.
Also, trampoline falls make up 27-39% of all injuries and they can prove
catastrophic if serious neck and head injuries are involved. Spinal injuries
may happen especially when flip maneuvers are involved. Other common trampoline
injuries include strains, sprains, and contusions.
Common types of trampoline accidents:
- Jumping or falling off the trampoline
- Making contact with trampoline springs or frames resulting in impact
- Awkward landings
- Crashing into another person who is also on the trampoline
It is important to note that both kids and adults are susceptible to get hurt in trampoline accidents. According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, there were about 98,000 trampoline injuries in 2009 (which, fortunately, is lower than the 112,000 injuries during 2004). 3,100 people required hospitalization.
This week, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled approximately 23,4000 Sportspower Ltd. trampolines because of concerns that should the equipment’s metal legs go off position and puncture the jumping area, a jumper might sustain puncture wounds, bruises, and/or cuts. The trampolines were only sold at Sports Authority stories. This is not the first trampoline recall involving this manufacturer. In May, Sportspower recalled about 92,000 trampoline units following reports of the netting around the trampoline breaking, causing kids to fall through and get hurt. Broken bones, neck, and back injuries were reported.
At The Gilbert Law Group®, our products liability lawyers represent clients with trampoline safety claims against manufacturers and trampoline owners. We also handle trampoline accident cases over incidents that occurred at recreational facilities and trampoline parks. These businesses recently have been the target of premises liability complaints by people claiming they were injured because of unsafe equipment, inadequate supervision, and inadequate warnings or instruction.
Products Liability
Sometimes, a product is defective from the get-go. It is unsafe because of its inherent design and the risk of injury is likely even when used as directed or intended. Other grounds for a product defect lawsuit include manufacturing defects, failure to warn, failure to provide proper assembly/operation instructions, and marketing defects, including marketing to an age demographic for which the product would be dangerous.
________________________
- Trampolines Recalled by Sportspower Due to Injury Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Sports Authority, CPSC, November 28, 2012
- AAP Advises Against Recreational Trampoline Use, American Academy of Pediatrics, September 24, 2012
