A trampoline is incredibly enticing for children and even some adults. No longer are trampolines simply relegated to backyards in and around Salt Lake City. Over the last few years, the popularity of trampoline parks has exploded across the United States. However, accidents on trampolines can cause devastating injuries to children and adult users. Since we are in the heat of summer and many people are venturing out for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to take some time to discuss trampolines and the risks they pose Salt Lake City residents.
How often do trampoline injuries occur?
A study over a recent ten year period in the United States published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics shows that trampolines sent more than one million people to the emergency room over a decade. The study shows that most of the victims in these cases were children under the age of 16.
According to an article from the Mayo Clinic, when it is kids versus trampolines, the kids often lose. “Kids are endlessly inventive in figuring out ways to break bones on trampolines,” said Dr. William J. Shaughnessy, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic.
Broken and dislocated bones are the most common injuries caused by trampoline incidents. However, these incidents can also lead to severe lacerations, puncture wounds, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organ damage.
Trampolines can be found in various places in and around Salt Lake City. Most people are familiar with trampolines being in people’s back yards. However, there are also trampoline parks where visitors can go to jump on trampolines that span rooms the size of basketball courts. Last year, local news agencies reported on a local Utah teen who was paralyzed from the waist down after an incident on a trampoline.
Audrick “Stak” Afatasi was injured on March 15, 2019, when he tried to do a double backflip at a trampoline park. After attempting the trick, Afatasi told family members that he could not get up and he was rushed to the hospital.
If you are considering buying a trampoline or are thinking about letting your kids use a trampoline anywhere in the Salt Lake City area, please use caution. Trampolines should only be used when there are adults there to supervise children.
Contact us for a free consultation
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a trampoline accident on another person’s property, you may wonder whether or not you are entitled to compensation. At the Jardine Law Offices P.C., we are ready to investigate your case in order to determine whether you may be entitled to any of the following:
- Medical bills caused by the trampoline injury
- Lost income if you are unable to work
- General household out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against a trampoline owner or operator
If you need a Salt Lake City trampoline accident attorney, you can contact us by clicking here or calling us at 801-350-3506 for a free consultation.