Trampoline Park Injuries
Los Angeles and Orange County trampoline park injuries are on the rise.
Trampoline parks are popping up all over the country. They are incredibly popular for birthday parties and other family-fun recreation activities.
But to experts in the gymnastics community, they're known simply as "death parks".
That might sound outrageous to many people. But it doesn't sound that way to the family of Ric Swezey, a world-class gymnast who was killed when he landed off-balance, hit his head, and fractured his spinal cord at a trampoline park in Virginia in 2017.
There were only about 40 trampoline parks in the United States eight years ago. Since then, that number has ballooned to over 1,000. Trampoline parks are also popular overseas.
Despite the growing popularity of trampoline parks, they have no federal oversight. Annual inspections are not required, although some states are trying to change this. This is particularly troubling because trampoline park injuries were responsible for over 18,000 hospitalizations in 2017.
Common trampoline park injuries involve what's known as a "double bounce." This happens when a participant who is heavier than those jumping around him causes the trampoline to bounce up with enough force to fracture femur bones and/or elbows. The shockwaves of the trampoline are absorbed by the adjacent person's appendages, mimicking crush injuries.
Six people have been killed at trampoline parks in the past 7 years. Trampoline parks are a billion dollar industry, but according to Don McPherson, a professional gymnastics coach and expert witness, trampoline park injuries can be life-altering.
According to Mr. McPherson, many trampoline parks are designed improperly. Common defects he has noticed include foam pits which are too shallow; "padded" walls that are not padded enough; and insufficient supervision.
On top of the dangers, most trampoline parks require participants to sign liability waivers prior to making use of the parks. Jumpers are warned that they "assume the risk" of all injuries, including G-d forbid, death.
Liability waivers are typically valid in California, provided that the participant is properly advised of the risks and any resulting injuries are within the scope of those risks.
Nevertheless, there is a growing trend seeking to create more oversight for this popular attraction, including the mandate to carry proper insurance coverage. We will continue to monitor this serious issue, which you can learn more about here.
Los Angeles and the surrounding areas are home to many trampoline parks. If you or your family decide to visit one, please be extra vigilant and maintain strict supervision of your family.
For questions about your Los Angeles trampoline park injury case, the Rabbi Lawyer is ready to assist, 24/6.
