Although trampolines are widely considered enjoyable backyard recreation equipment, nearly 250,000 trampoline-related injuries require medical treatment each year in the U.S. Because of the resultant pain, suffering, and medical bills, personal injury attorneys are often needed to recover the cost of treatment. Every situation differs. Sometimes the injured party is entirely responsible. However, sometimes the manufacturer is at fault, or the property owner, or even another trampoline user. The information below explains how to determine who is responsible for trampoline injuries.

Who Is Responsible for Trampoline Injuries?

When Is the Manufacturer at Fault?

Trampoline manufacturers must make sure their products are sturdy enough and safe enough for their intended purpose. For instance, if the instructions claim the device can support an adult of 250 pounds, it should not collapse under the weight of two 75-pound children. Moreover, it should provide padding on any exposed support structures along with netting to keep users from flying off the edge. A personal injury attorney can help you decide if the manufacturer has failed to live up to their duty of care or if a product liability case is appropriate.

When Is the Owner at Fault?

The owners could be at fault and liable under a premises liability claim if they failed to properly supervise the trampoline's use, failed to maintain the trampoline such that it became unsafe to use, or neglected to make sure the equipment was safe to use before allowing others to use it. Also, the equipment should be placed away from dangerous areas, such as a hard-paved surface or low-hanging electrical lines. Because trampolines and pools are known to attract children, homeowners are responsible for fencing them off or otherwise making them inaccessible while they are not at home to supervise.

When Is Another User at Fault?

Finally, you may be able to sue another user for negligence if they did not take reasonable care to avoid injuring others. For instance, simply jumping up and down on the trampoline would be considered reasonable behavior, but shoving, kicking, bumping, tripping, or throwing objects at another user most likely would not. Consult a personal injury attorney if you suspect negligence.

If you or someone you know has suffered a trampoline accident and needs a personal injury attorney, contact Lane, Felix & Raisbeck CO in Cincinnati, OH. They have served clients throughout Southern Ohio since 1982 and specialize in criminal law, family law, probate, and real estate. Visit their website to learn about their practice areas or call (513) 922-7700 to arrange a consultation.