Exploring the Causes and Dangers of Trampoline-Related Injuries

At O’Brien & Ford, we’ve seen firsthand how seemingly innocent backyard activities can lead to devastating trampoline injuries. With the popularity of trampolines on the rise in Buffalo and surrounding areas, more families are discovering the hard way that safety isn’t always guaranteed, even with supervision and standard precautions. Understanding the risks and legal rights associated with trampoline accidents is crucial for parents, homeowners, and even visitors to trampoline parks.

As a personal injury law firm serving the Buffalo, NY community, we are committed to helping victims of trampoline-related accidents seek the compensation they deserve when negligence plays a role.

How Different Trampoline Models Contribute to Injury Risks

Not all trampolines are created equal. Although many appear similar at first glance, their design, construction quality, and intended use can significantly influence the risk of injury, especially for children.

• Backyard trampolines are the most common type found in residential areas. Unfortunately, many of these models are purchased without proper safety accessories, such as padding, net enclosures, or anchoring systems. Cheaper models often wear down faster and may fail under repeated use.
• Mini trampolines, typically marketed for adult exercise or physical therapy, are not designed for child play. Their smaller surface area and lower clearance increase the chances of falls and abrupt landings, especially if misused.
• Trampoline parks feature expansive, interconnected mats that allow for more dynamic jumping. However, they also raise the potential for multiple users to collide mid-air or land at unsafe angles.

Even premium models with enclosures cannot fully eliminate risk, especially without consistent supervision and rule enforcement.

The Most Common Types of Trampoline Injuries

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, over 90% of trampoline injuries affect children between 5 and 14 years old. These incidents are more frequent in backyards but often more severe in commercial jump parks due to riskier behaviors and harder landings. Common causes include:

• Falling on the trampoline mat, frame, or springs.
• Risky stunts like somersaults or backflips gone wrong.
• Falling off the trampoline onto a hard surface.
• Collisions between jumpers.

The most frequent injuries include:

• Sprains and fractures, especially in the arms and legs.
• Dislocations and bruises.
• Neck and spinal injuries.
• Head trauma, including concussions and brain injuries.
• In rare cases, paralysis.

The most serious injuries often result from high-impact landings during flips or when multiple children collide in midair. Statistics show that over three-quarters of trampoline injuries occur when more than one child is jumping at the same time.

Direct Causes of Trampoline Injuries

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that between 27% to 39% of injuries occur when a child falls off the trampoline entirely. Other major contributors include:

• Contact with exposed springs or metal frames.
• Flips and somersaults that cause awkward landings.
• Accidents involving more than one jumper, particularly when there is a size mismatch.

Shockingly, nearly half of all trampoline injuries occur under adult supervision, underscoring that simply watching is not enough to prevent accidents.

Recommended Safety Measures:

• Allow only one jumper at a time.
• Ban flips, somersaults, and high-risk tricks.
• Ensure all protective equipment is intact and properly installed.
• Set up trampolines on flat, hazard-free ground.
• Review your homeowner’s insurance policy for trampoline-related liability coverage.

These precautions can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of personal injury. Even with netting and padding, many injuries still happen on the mat itself.

Trampoline Injuries Leading to Fatalities

While rare, fatalities do happen. Severe cervical spine injuries and head trauma can lead to permanent disability or death, particularly when the jumper lands on their neck during a flip. Children are especially vulnerable due to their  and tendency to engage in riskier behavior without realizing the consequences.

In these tragic situations, legal action may be necessary to hold property owners or commercial operators accountable. If the equipment was faulty, improperly maintained, or supervision was inadequate, the victim’s family may have the right to file a wrongful death claim under New York State law.

Contact Our Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Now to Get the Compensation You Deserve

If you or your child suffered an injury on a trampoline due to another party’s negligence—whether at a friend’s house or a commercial facility—you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At O’Brien & Ford, our personal injury attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and are prepared to pursue every available avenue to hold the responsible party accountable.

We offer free consultations to evaluate your claim and will only take your case if we believe we can make a difference. Don’t wait until your medical bills pile up or memories fade—contact us today to protect your rights and pursue justice.

Chris O’Brien

Chris O’Brien is a nationally recognized personal injury attorney with over 30 years of experience fighting for accident victims in Western New York. A founding partner at O’Brien & Ford, he has helped recover millions for clients and built a reputation as a top trial lawyer and educator. Chris is a Diplomate of the National College of Advocacy, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and was named one of Western New York’s Top Ten Lawyers by Buffalo Business First. He lives in Amherst with his family and their Bernedoodle, Moose.

Years of experience: 33 years
Practice areas: Personal Injury Law, Car Accidents
Location: Buffalo, New York