Why Trampoline Parks Carry Real Risk

Trampolines can be a source of both joy and risk—and trampoline parks can augment the danger. Play parks will pack dozens of jumpers onto connected surfaces, add foam pits and dodgeball courts, and pack a small space to capacity. The American Academy of Pediatrics has long discouraged recreational trampoline use for kids, and emergency rooms here in Florida see a steady stream of trampoline-related injuries every year. Injuries range from sprains and fractures to dislocations, concussions, and even spinal cord injuries. The most common reasons for trampoline park injuries are predictable, and we have seen hem countless times: multiple jumpers on the same trampoline, attempted flips and somersaults, collisions between jumpers, and falls onto hard edges or into improperly padded pits.

Smart Safety Steps Before You Jump

A little prevention goes a long way. Before your child sets foot on the mat: One jumper per trampoline. Most serious injuries happen when a smaller child collides with a bigger one; size mismatches are dangerous. Trampoline park managers should be aware of this danger and step in before anyone gets hurt. Avoid tricks where your head is below your shoulders. Landing wrong on the neck or head causes the most catastrophic injuries. Even if signs are posted, it's easy for a rambunctious child to forget; trampoline park staff must be vigilant to prevent reckless behavior. Check that staff (court monitors) are actually monitoring. Empty courts with no supervision are a red flag. Your admission fee should include safety monitors on site throughout your visit. Dress appropriately for the activity. For maximum safety, be sure to wear grip socks, wear no jewelry, and empty your pockets. You should be briefed on what to remove before your first bounce; if the trampoline park team fails to outfit you appropriately, you may have a legitimate personal injury claim. Read the waiver—but know your rights. More on that below, because in Florida, it may not mean what the park wants you to think. 

What Florida Parents Should Know About Trampoline Park Liability Waivers

Here's something a lot of parents don't realize: that trampoline park liability waiver you sign at the front desk does not automatically remove your right to recover compensation for an injury caused by the park's negligence.

In Kirton v. Fields, the Florida Supreme Court held that a parent generally cannot waive away a minor child's right to sue a commercial business for negligence. In other words Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park cuts corners on maintenance, ignores overcrowding, or fails to supervise their facility, the waiver you signed may not shield them from legal action. Florida also has premises liability and product liability laws that can come into play when faulty equipment or unsafe conditions cause harm.

Of course, this does not mean that every injury leads to a viable claim, but it does mean you shouldn't assume that legal action is off the table just because you signed a liability waiver form.

Read More from TWWHB: Can I Still Have a Claim If I Signed a Waiver at a Trampoline Park?

Checklist: What to Do After a Trampoline Park Accident in Florida

If your child is hurt, the steps you take in the first hours and days matter. Print this page (or take a screenshot) and save it for future reference.

What to Do After a Trampoline Injury

Frequently Asked Questions about Trampoline Park Accidents

I signed a waiver; does this mean I can't sue a trampoline park for injuries?

Signing a waiver does not necessarily bar you from pursuing a legal claim. Under Florida law, a parent's signature generally cannot waive a minor child's right to bring a negligence claim against a commercial business. Whether you have a case depends on the facts—but a signed waiver alone doesn't end the conversation.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim for a trampoline accident?

Florida law puts a deadline (called the “statute of limitations”) on personal injury claims. The window for many negligence-based injury claims is two (2) years from the date of the injury. (The exact deadline can vary with the circumstances.) Because deadlines can bar an otherwise valid claim, it's best to talk with a trampoline park attorney as soon as you believe you have a claim.

What do I do if the trampoline park denies liability?

You should expect that the trampoline park will deny liability at first; this is almost always the case in cases like these (and what their insurer wants you to believe). Liability actually depends on whether the park was negligent, not just the simple circumstances of the accident. If it is found that the trampoline park allowed overbooking of their facility, failed to maintain their equipment, failed to supervise, or otherwise supplied an unsafe environment, you may have a case regardless of what they say. Speak with a Florida personal injury attorney to learn more.

My child seems to be okay after a bad fall off a trampoline; do I still need to see a doctor? 

Always get your child a full medical evaluation, particularly after a bad fall or head trauma, even if they say they're fine.  Kids often shake off injuries that turn out to be serious, like concussions or fractures near growth plates. A prompt medical evaluation protects both your child's health and any future claim. An evaluation can confirm an injury before it gets worse, making it easier to treat.

Do you handle trampoline park injury cases in the Pensacola area?

Yes, TWWHB, represents injured people throughout Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, and the surrounding Florida Panhandle. If your child was hurt at a trampoline park anywhere in Northwest Florida, you don't have to figure out the next steps alone. We never charge any fee or cost for an initial consultation to explain your rights. Speak with a Pensacola personal injury attorney by calling (850) 438-4899.