A family in Texas is suing an indoor trampoline park after their son suffered a serious head injury while playing on one of its trampolines in June 2013. According to the family’s attorney, the injury occurred when the 16-year-old boy fell through a hole or rip in the trampoline canvas and hit his head on the concrete floor below. He suffered serious fractures to his skull, bleeding on the brain, and seizures.
Boy May Suffer Permanent Impairment
Although he was not paralyzed in the accident, the boy’s mother said that he now struggles with simple tasks like writing and keeping his balance. The premises liability lawsuit filed by the family alleges that the trampoline park was negligent in ignoring unsafe conditions on their premises, and that this negligence led to the boy’s injuries. The family will seek compensation for these unsafe conditions, perhaps including past and future medical expenses and pain and suffering damages for the boy’s potentially permanent loss of faculties.
Tips for Avoiding Trampoline Injuries
Trampoline parks can be a lot of fun for kids, but they also present unique safety and legal risks of which parents need to be aware. Here are some tips for avoiding injuries and knowing what to do following an injury:
1. Although trampoline parks often require their customers to sign liability waivers, these waivers are not valid if the park’s owners allow unsafe conditions to exist on their premises.
2. Trampoline parks are often less regulated by the government than other amusement parks. This means you should be all the more vigilant in looking for safety hazards.
3. Parks will often defend against lawsuits by arguing that the child plaintiff “assumed the risk” of injury by not following the strict guidelines posted at the park. Try to make sure your child follows the rules so that this defense is taken off the table.
4. Perform due diligence about the trampoline parks in your area. If one has had safety problems in the past, or if other parents tell you negative things about it, it is probably a good idea to avoid that park.
5. Supervise your child as closely as you can, and tell them to stop if they are doing things that appear dangerous. The best way to deal with injuries is always to prevent them from happening in the first place.
6. If your child does suffer a brain injury or other traumatic accident at a trampoline park, make sure to seek medical attention immediately and to get him to a hospital as soon as possible. You can deal with the legal and financial issues later, after ensuring that your child is safe and sound.
What to Do if Your Child Suffers a Brain Injury
If your child has suffered a brain injury at an amusement park or elsewhere, you should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can review the facts of your case and determine whether you have a viable claim. If so, they can help you seek the compensation you deserve.