Now that summer is almost here, it is time to remind everyone of an important topic: trampoline accidents. Although they can be fun, trampolines also can be very dangerous, especially if multiple people are using one at the same time. Trampoline accidents have resulted in life-changing injuries to adults and children alike. Such accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, fractures, and in some cases even death.
In one recent case, a 10-year old child sustained serious injuries while playing on a backyard trampoline with a friend. The girls were playing a game called “popcorn” in which the victim sat on the trampoline and her friend jumped on it, propelling the victim into the air. During the game, the victim landed awkwardly on her left leg, fracturing it. She was diagnosed with a fracture to the growth plate of the left distal femur and underwent surgical external fixation with a pin. Approximately three years later, when she experienced a growth spurt, the growth plate in the left leg failed to grow. This resulted in the knee being bowed and the left leg being about two inches shorter than the right leg. Unfortunately, additional surgeries to lengthen her left leg and stop the growth in her right leg did not resolve the issue. Her medical expenses were approximately $60,000, and she may undergo a second procedure to lengthen her leg, at a cost of about $90,300. Future costs for pain management, counseling, and physical and occupational therapy are estimated at nearly $225,000.
The injured girl’s mother sued the homeowner who owned the trampoline, alleging that he was negligent in failing to supervise the girls. The plaintiffs claimed that the defendant homeowner lost track of the girls after they entered his home and that he later saw them on the trampoline but failed to tell them to stop using it. The girls testified that the defendant saw them on the trampoline but said nothing. The defendant argued that he did not know the girls were on the trampoline. He failed a cross-complaint against the girls’ mothers, alleging that they were negligent for failing to supervise them. The parties settled before trial for $750,000, which was paid by the defendant homeowner’s insurance policy.
At Stark & Stark, we have represented people who have been injured in accidents on trampolines, amusement parks, roller skating rinks, and in other recreational activities. If you or someone you know has been hurt as a result of someone else’s negligence in one of these types of activities, contact legal counsel immediately to determine your rights.