The American Academy of Pediatrics came out with a policy statement about home trampolines and kids back in 1999. It was reaffirmed in 2006 and, basically, advises parents against getting trampolines for kids. The statement was again updated in 2012. Trampoline-related injuries affect nearly 100,000 people annually. Even though the number of injuries has been declining over the years, children still seem to have higher injury rates than adults.
What You Need to Know About Trampoline Injuries
Most of the injuries that happen as a result of trampoline play affect kids. In fact, about two-thirds of all trampoline injuries happen to kids from ages 6 to 14. This is one of the major reasons the AAP recommends against trampolines for kids.
Many of the trampoline injuries involve feet and legs; these injuries consist of sprains and fractures. There are also many sprains that occur in the chest or trunk area of the body. Head injuries, including concussions and lacerations, also make up a sizeable percentage of injuries sustained by trampoline users. Most of these injuries happen to children, although all age groups, from about 3 or 4 years of age up to senior citizens, are affected.
Since 1990, at least 6 people have died as a result of injuries from the trampoline. The number may be very low, all things considered; however, imagine if you were a family member or friend of one of those six people. Even one death is too many.
Prevention of Trampoline Injuries
One of the major deterrents to trampoline injuries is the rule that kids like the least: One at a time. Kids enjoy jumping on the trampoline together. It’s more fun that way, and, certainly, your kids will complain if you enforce this rule. It is, however, the one way to keep heads from cracking on one another and the best way to minimize the bumps and bruises that can occur when kids bump into each other while jumping.
Safety net enclosures are good for keeping jumpers from falling off the trampoline onto the ground. They do not prevent jumpers from falling on the frame of the trampoline. The frame may still be a source of injury.
The ground around the trampoline poses a risk for injury as well. You may want to consider investing in a trampoline pad. This pad adds a bit of cushion for those who jump off the trampoline onto the ground. To do so on the hard ground can cause trauma to the feet and legs.
Insurance Concerns
Due to the number of injuries sustained as a result of trampoline use, some insurance companies have an exclusion clause. In other words, they may not cover injuries resulting from the trampoline. Be sure to check your policy to find out if you are covered should someone get hurt on your trampoline.
At Frohlich, Gordon & Beason, P.A., we believe in living active, healthy lives. We also understand how serious personal injury can affect the lives of all those involved. We specialize in personal injury law. If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury, please contact us for a free consultation. We serve residents of Port Charlotte, North Port, and Englewood, and surrounding southwestern Florida areas.