As summer sets in, people are spending more time outside enjoying the nice weather. Both adults and children are spending more time participating in outdoor activities such as using trampolines. Trampolines are one source of fun for all ages.
However, in spite of their attraction, trampolines are the cause of countless injuries, especially for children.
The number of serious injuries that occur from trampoline use each year is on the rise. An article in HealthDay News reported that over 100,000 emergency room visits are related to trampoline injuries each year in the United States.
And with a boom in trampoline sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a result of more families staying at home, that number is likely on the rise.
Common injuries that result from trampoline use typically include head injuries, severe fractures, dislocations, torn muscles, and sprains.
Looking at the increase of injuries, it is important that certain precautions and measures are in place to make the use of a trampoline safer. These safety precautions include supervising trampoline users, ensuring all springs are covered with padding, regularly inspecting the trampoline for holes or tears, and ensuring the trampoline is properly installed.
An owner of a trampoline is required to properly maintain and supervise people using the trampoline, especially those who may not understand the risks, such as children and teens. Failure to properly supervise or failure to properly maintain a trampoline can result in an injury. In this situation, the owner may be held accountable for any injuries that result from his/her negligence.
In addition to home trampolines, indoor trampoline parks have become popular with people of all ages. When customers visit trampoline parks, they are required to sign a waiver, which is a legal document that attempts to bar a lawsuit against the trampoline park. These waivers generally include waiving the liability of negligent acts of the park’s employees or others that causes any injuries.
Michigan has the Trampoline Court Safety Act that outlines the duties and liabilities imposed on both trampoline parks and trampoline park users. The Act imposes duties on trampoline park owners.
The operator of the trampoline park must post the duties of the trampoline users and spectators, as prescribed in the Act. These duties must be posted in a conspicuous place. The following are the duties of the trampoline users listed in the Act:
The operator of the trampoline park must also post the duties, obligations, and liabilities of the trampoline park operator, as prescribed in the Act. Again, these duties must be posted in a conspicuous place. The duties, obligations, and liabilities of the trampoline park operator, as prescribed in the Act are:
More importantly, the Michigan Trampoline Court Safety Act states that if a trampoline park operator violates the Act, it is liable in a civil action for damages for the portion of the loss or damage that results from the violation.
The park employees typically do not monitor risky participant behavior. They rely upon the waivers that the customer signs to avoid any liability.
If you or a loved one is a victim of a trampoline accident, whether at a trampoline park or in a backyard, call the experienced attorneys at Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys for a free consultation.
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