Parents in New York may have cause to be wary of allowing their children to use trampolines. According to a study conducted by Indiana University, trampolines were responsible for an estimated 288,876 fractures between 2002 and 2011. Overall, injuries sustained on trampolines resulted in over $1 billion being spent on emergency room visits.
Children under the age of 16 typically incur the most fractures and dislocations related to the use of trampolines. Fractures caused by trampolines are typically sustained in the wrists, ankles, legs, forearms, and elbows. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that trampolines at personal residences were the cause of 95 percent of trampoline injuries. Bruises, injuries to soft tissues, and sprains were the most common types of trampoline injuries. However, at least 10 percent of visits to the emergency room were due to injuries to the head and neck.
One pediatric orthopedic surgeon states that trampolines are dangerous even when netting is used. She also supports the opinion of the AAP that trampoline use should be limited to supervised training within a specially designed site for individuals wanting to practice diving or gymnastics.
Children also tend to incur serious trampoline injuries at indoor trampoline parks. However, falling is not the only reason the children are injured. Many trampoline injuries have resulted from a parent falling on a child while attempting to provide supervision.
A personal injury attorney may provide legal guidance to individuals who are injured on the premises of a negligent property owner. The lawyer may pursue financial damages for injuries sustained due to dangerous property conditions, such as wet floors, icy sidewalks, or insufficient lighting. The owner of a retail store, apartment complex, or shopping mall may be held liable if the hazardous conditions resulted in an accident.