Trampoline park injuries – are you due compensation?

Trampoline parks first arrived in the UK in 2014 and although they are a fantastic way for children and adults to exercise in a fun way, there are risks and accidents happen.

In 2017 there were 1,181 incidents at trampoline parks requiring an ambulance and during the same year, new laws were introduced to improve safety at these parks.

Parks in the UK must now show compliance to the Publicly Accessible Specification (PAS), which was set up by members of the International Association of Trampoline Parks UK, British Standards, and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

INJURIES

A survey by Which? showed the most common injury from trampolines is bruising which accounts for 40% of injuries.  This is followed by sprains (24%), strains (22%), fractures (21%) cuts (21%) and dislocations (16%).

However, some injures are more severe leading to serious health issues and life-changing injuries. Back and neck injuries can cause spinal damage leading to paralysis with victims requiring a wheelchair for the rest of their lives.

Some of the cases we have handled have involved serious injuries to limbs, ankle fractures, head and facial damage including fractured jaws and cheekbones.

According to RoSPA, 60% of trampoline injuries occur when more than one person is using the trampoline at a time.

The claimants we represent are often children who have collided with or who have been jumped on by another child, an older child, or even an adult.  This is usually in circumstances where areas have not been segregated, there has been a lack of supervision or the area has been unmonitored.

DUTY OF CARE

Trampoline parks must provide a safe environment for those using the facilities. Parks should follow the current legislation and should be covered by public liability insurance.

Surprisingly, is not compulsory for parks to take out public liability insurance, we would like this to be made a legal requirement for all UK trampoline parks. If you do visit a park, check beforehand that they have this type of insurance.

JUSTICE FOR INJURIES

If you have been injured at a trampoline park, you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries.

Although some parks require you to sign a waiver form on admission, if the owners are negligent, you can still claim compensation. Negligence includes factors such as unsafe equipment or staff failing to adequately monitor the equipment or supervise.

The amount of compensation you will receive depends on the severity of the injury. We have a personal injury calculator, on the homepage of our website, which is based on figures from the most up-to-date edition of the Judicial College Guidelines. Click the body parts to see how much you could be entitled to: www.nvlegal.co.uk

SAFETY QUESTIONS

If visiting a trampoline park with children RoSPA’s advice is for carers to ask the following questions:

  • Does the park take details about you, any relevant medical issues, and emergency contact information?
  • Has the park provided a safety briefing?
  • Have they checked that people understand the briefing?
  • Are the rules clearly displayed?
  • Are the rules being enforced by monitors and staff, e.g., one person on the trampoline at a time?
  • Is the park a member of the UK1ATP?

We also recommend that you ask if the park has public liability insurance.

For further information on injuries sustained in trampoline parks or compensation, we have a team of solicitors who specialise in this type of injury.

Consultations are FREE of charge and qualified solicitors, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, will advise you.

Call – 03330 112732

Email – info@nvlegal.co.uk

Website – www.nvlegal.co.uk

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