Baltimore Trampoline Injury Lawyer
The popularity of trampoline parks has boomed in recent years. Once few and far between, today there are hundreds of trampoline parks in cities across the U.S., including several that are located around the Baltimore area. While most guests have safe and enjoyable visits, kids or adults can be seriously injured when an accident occurs. For example, injuries can result from defective safety gear, lack of supervision, or improper trampoline materials and assembly.
If you or one of your children was injured at a trampoline park in Baltimore, or if you were hurt in a trampoline accident at home, you may be able to get compensated for your medical bills and other losses. Randolph Rice is an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal options after a trampoline accident in Baltimore. For a free legal consultation, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras online, or call (410) 694-7291 for 24/7 assistance.
Trampoline Accident + Injury Statistics
Trampoline accidents are more common than many people realize. According to one study published in 2014, over 1 million people were hospitalized for trampoline injuries during the period from 2002 to 2011, with a disproportionate number of the victims being children and teens below age 16.
A more recent study, which was published in 2019, focused on a collection of 439 trampoline injuries that were reported over the span of two years. Roughly two thirds of these accidents happened on home trampolines (289, or 66%), while the remaining third occurred at trampoline parks (150, or 34%).
What Types of Injuries Are Caused by Trampoline Accidents?
The researchers behind the 2019 study, which was published in The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, made an important observation: “The nature of trampoline injuries may have changed with the increasing popularity of recreational jump parks.” the researchers noticed that trampoline park accidents, though less common than accidents at home, were more likely to result in serious outcomes like bone fractures, dislocated joints, and ultimately, a need for surgery.
According to the study, 45% of park injuries led to fractures or dislocations, compared to just 17% of trampoline injuries in the home. Surgery was necessary for more than one fifth of the park injuries (23%), compared to one tenth of the home injuries (10%).
If you broke a bone, dislocated a joint, or suffered other injuries in a trampoline jump accident, talk to Randolph Rice to find out whether you could have a claim. Other types of trampoline injury claims that our office handles in the Baltimore region include:
- Back, shoulder, and neck injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and bleeding
- Facial injuries, like a split lip, broken nose, or fractured cheekbone
- Fall injuries
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs), which can cause forms of paralysis like paraplegia or quadriplegia (tetraplegia)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions and skull fractures
Can You Sue a Trampoline Park for Negligence in Baltimore?
As trampoline jump parks have exploded, safety regulations haven’t always kept pace. While the International Association of Trampoline Parks (IATP) provides regulatory guidance, it is not mandatory for parks to follow IATP recommendations. As a result, certain safety recommendations might not be implemented, or might only be partially implemented. This increases the risk of accidental death or injury, which can open up complex legal questions around negligence, fault, and liability.
After you have been injured, it may be possible to sue a trampoline park or its employees for negligence. Negligence is a failure to meet reasonable standards of care and safety, resulting in a preventable death or injury. For example, you may have a case if you were injured due to issues such as:
- Collisions caused by overcrowding
- Dangerous and defective trampolines or equipment
- Improper trampoline assembly or materials
- Lack of padding, netting, or other safety gear
- Understaffing or lack of supervision
Like trampoline parks and their employees, others can also be liable for trampoline injuries, such as homeowners or product manufacturers. it depends on where, how, and why the accident occurred, and who was at fault for the resulting injuries.
Fortunately, tighter safety regulations are expected to take effect in 2020. However, for those who have already been injured, these improvements come too late.
Compensation for a Baltimore Trampoline Park Accident Injury
If you were hurt while visiting a trampoline park or while using a trampoline at home, you may be able to get compensated by filing a lawsuit with help from an experienced attorney. Compensation, or damages, may be available for losses or harm such as:
- Lost income, including loss of future wages or earning ability
- Medical bills, such as expenses for surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, medication, medical devices, and other treatment costs
- Pain and suffering
Baltimore Trampoline Injury Attorney Offering Free Consultations
Whether it happens at home or at a recreational park, a trampoline injury can affect every part of your life. Get skillful, compassionate legal guidance by consulting an experienced attorney for trampoline accidents in Baltimore. For a free legal consultation, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291, or contact us online for help.