Bouncing on the trampoline in the backyard has been fun for kids for many generations, but it also can be dangerous. Falling off a trampoline or not using it correctly can potentially result in serious neck and head injuries, including full or partial paralysis.
The American Academy of Pediatrics believes the risk for serious injury is so great that it advises trampolines should not be used at home or in outdoor playgrounds – only in a supervised training program, such as diving or gymnastics classes.
Each year, there are nearly 100,000 emergency room visits due to trampoline injuries, most (over 80%) of which are to children under age 15, according to a report by CBS News. Meanwhile, backyard trampoline sales have jumped to about a million units per year.
Falls account for about one-third of all serious trampoline injuries. It is believed that safety nets would decrease the risk of serious injury by up to 50 percent, yet many companies sell trampolines without them.
This past summer, a 19-year-old man died when he was doing flips on a trampoline and landed on his head. The accident happened on August 14 at Boing!, a trampoline park in Oviedo. Trampoline parks are gaining in popularity and may be one reason for the increase in the number of trampoline accidents.
The insurance industry is aware of the dangers. Referred to as “attractive nuisances” – like a backyard swimming pool – insurance companies suggest putting a fence around your yard if you own a trampoline.
Consumers should check their policies to find out whether their insurer covers trampolines in the event of an accident and know that they may be charged a higher premium on their homeowner’s liability policy if they have one. In the event of a trampoline injury, it is important to contact an experienced, competent personal injury attorney.
Trampoline Safety Tips:
Use safety nets.
Cover the trampoline’s hooks and springs with pads.
Make sure the trampoline is placed on level ground.
Make sure the trampoline is a safe distance from tree limbs and other obstructions.
Never let young children use the trampoline unsupervised.
Only allow one person at a time on the trampoline.
Like trampolines, inflatable bounce houses – popular at festivals, birthday parties and other events – are getting some unfavorable media attention lately due to a spike in injuries.
A recent study published in the December 2012 issue of Pediatrics claims that more than 30 children per day were treated for bounce house-related injuries in emergency rooms in 2010.
Most injuries occur when children collide with one another, but they also occur when the structure is toppled by wind or collapses when there are too many kids inside. The most common types of injuries were fractures (28%), sprains or strains (27%), and head and neck injuries (19%).
The injury patterns for trampolines and inflatables are similar. While there are national safety guidelines in place for trampoline use, no such guidelines exist for bounce houses.
Bouncing on the trampoline in the backyard has been fun for kids for many generations, but it also can be dangerous. Falling off a trampoline or not using it correctly can potentially result in serious neck and head injuries, including full or partial paralysis.
The American Academy of Pediatrics believes the risk for serious injury is so great that it advises trampolines should not be used at home or in outdoor playgrounds – only in a supervised training program, such as diving or gymnastics classes.
Each year, there are nearly 100,000 emergency room visits due to trampoline injuries, most (over 80%) of which are to children under age 15, according to a report by CBS News. Meanwhile, backyard trampoline sales have jumped to about a million units per year.
Falls account for about one-third of all serious trampoline injuries. It is believed that safety nets would decrease the risk of serious injury by up to 50 percent, yet many companies sell trampolines without them.
This past summer, a 19-year-old man died when he was doing flips on a trampoline and landed on his head. The accident happened on August 14 at Boing!, a trampoline park in Oviedo. Trampoline parks are gaining in popularity and may be one reason for the increase in the number of trampoline accidents.
The insurance industry is aware of the dangers. Referred to as “attractive nuisances” – like a backyard swimming pool – insurance companies suggest putting a fence around your yard if you own a trampoline.
Consumers should check their policies to find out whether their insurer covers trampolines in the event of an accident and know that they may be charged a higher premium on their homeowner’s liability policy if they have one. In the event of a trampoline injury, it is important to contact an experienced, competent personal injury attorney.
Trampoline Safety Tips:
Like trampolines, inflatable bounce houses – popular at festivals, birthday parties and other events – are getting some unfavorable media attention lately due to a spike in injuries.
A recent study published in the December 2012 issue of Pediatrics claims that more than 30 children per day were treated for bounce house-related injuries in emergency rooms in 2010.
Most injuries occur when children collide with one another, but they also occur when the structure is toppled by wind or collapses when there are too many kids inside. The most common types of injuries were fractures (28%), sprains or strains (27%), and head and neck injuries (19%).
The injury patterns for trampolines and inflatables are similar. While there are national safety guidelines in place for trampoline use, no such guidelines exist for bounce houses.
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