Trampoline Injuries:

Trampoline Injury Lawsuits: Trampolines can be one of the most dangerous pieces of playground equipment or backyard entertainment.

Many experts suggest that trampolines should not be used for recreation, but should be reserved for professional gymnasts or those trained and supervised by certified athletic trainers.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reported that 52,103 children under the age of 15 were injured using trampolines and were treated in hospital emergency rooms in 1995.

The cost of injuries to children injured while on a trampoline, in 1995 alone, was estimated at $272,600,000.00. The number and severity of injuries resulting from the use of trampolines is significant and increasing.

The most common injuries are sprains and fractures, often severe, which usually result from a fall through the trampoline or an uncontrolled maneuver. Although severe or life-threatening injuries are not common, they do occur and can result in paralysis or death.

The use of a trampoline by more than one child at a time further increases the risk of injury through collisions among jumpers or the catapulting of jumpers off the trampoline.

More than one user may cause a phenomenon termed the "rebound" effect. Experts agree that if one person is going up, the second coming down, the forward motion of the trampoline surface can be "harder than concrete" and cause fractures to the spine.

In record numbers, kids continue to get hurt. In 1996, the American Academy of Pediatricians recommended that trampolines should not be used at home, either indoors or outdoors, and should not be part of physical education classes. The Academy stated that the "risks are too great" and reported 83,400 trampoline related injuries in the United States for the year ending 1996.

Although there are disclaimers attached to sales receipts for all trampolines bought or sold in this country, injuries sustained while jumping on a trampoline can still give rise to a legal action. Typically the homeowner is held liable for injuries sustained by invited guest. Trampoline manufacturers have also been held liable for injuries sustained while jumping.

If you, or a loved one, have been injured while jumping on a trampoline, please contact a personal injury attorney immediately in order to protect your legal rights.