Can a Trampoline Injury Lead to a Lawsuit? What Parents Should Know

Trampolines may look like fun and games, but they are also one of the leading causes of injury among children and teens. In Nevada, families flock to backyard trampolines, trampoline parks, and birthday party centers, especially in cities like Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno. While they may provide hours of entertainment, these high-risk activities can turn dangerous in an instant.

Broken bones, concussions, and spinal cord injuries are just some of the serious outcomes that can result from a fall, collision, or equipment malfunction. When these injuries happen due to negligence, parents may have legal grounds to pursue a personal injury claim.

Understanding when a trampoline injury becomes a lawsuit, who may be liable, and what options are available can help protect your child’s rights and ensure they receive the care and compensation they need.

How Common Are Trampoline Injuries?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), more than 100,000 trampoline-related injuries are treated in U.S. emergency rooms each year. Most of these injuries occur among children aged 5 to 17, and the majority happen at home or at commercial trampoline parks.

Common causes of injury include:

• Falls off the trampoline onto the ground or surrounding objects
• Collisions with other jumpers
• Flipping or somersaulting and landing incorrectly
• Equipment failure such as broken springs, torn mats, or defective enclosures
• Improper supervision or overcrowding

While some injuries result in scrapes and bruises, many involve severe trauma, especially when the neck, head, or spine is impacted.

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Common Trampoline Injuries That May Lead to Legal Action

Not every trampoline injury justifies a lawsuit. However, certain types of injuries may indicate that negligence or unsafe conditions were involved.

1. Broken Bones and Fractures

Arms, legs, wrists, and ankles are especially vulnerable during awkward landings or collisions. These injuries may require surgery or physical therapy and can affect a child’s ability to play sports or attend school.

2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

A head impact from falling off the trampoline or colliding with another child can result in a concussion or more severe brain injury. Symptoms may not appear right away but can lead to lasting cognitive issues.

3. Spinal Cord Injuries

Backflips and somersaults pose a high risk of spinal damage, especially when unsupervised. These injuries can cause paralysis or long-term nerve problems.

4. Lacerations and Puncture Wounds

Torn netting, exposed springs, or sharp edges can lead to deep cuts or wounds, increasing the risk of infection or scarring.

5. Dislocations and Soft Tissue Damage

Ligament tears and joint dislocations often require extensive recovery time and may lead to lasting mobility limitations.

Where Do These Injuries Happen?

In Nevada, trampoline injuries commonly occur in three settings:

• Backyard Trampolines: These are often set up in residential neighborhoods. Property owners may be held liable if the trampoline is not properly maintained, lacks safety features, or is accessible to unsupervised children.
• Trampoline Parks: Facilities like indoor bounce parks carry a heightened risk of serious injury due to crowding, elevated platforms, and shared jumping zones. Commercial trampoline parks must follow strict safety standards and provide adequate staff supervision.
• Daycares and Recreational Centers: When a child is injured at a school, daycare, or community center, the organization responsible for supervision and safety may be held accountable under premises liability or negligence laws.

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Can Parents Sue for a Child’s Trampoline Injury?

Yes. Under Nevada law, a parent or legal guardian may file a personal injury claim on behalf of a minor child. If the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, product defects, or failure to maintain a safe environment, legal action may be appropriate.

The goal of a personal injury lawsuit is to recover compensation for the child’s:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of future quality of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

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Who May Be Liable for a Trampoline Injury?

Liability depends on where the injury occurred and what caused it. Multiple parties may be responsible, including:

1. Homeowners

If your child was injured on someone else’s residential trampoline, the homeowner may be liable under Nevada premises liability law. This includes situations where:

• The trampoline was not enclosed or fenced off
• There was no adult supervision
• The trampoline was defective or improperly assembled
• Children were allowed to perform dangerous stunts

Nevada courts recognize a legal doctrine known as the “attractive nuisance” rule, which applies when property owners fail to secure something that is likely to attract children, such as a trampoline or swimming pool.

2. Trampoline Park Operators

Commercial trampoline parks have a duty to:

• Maintain safe equipment
• Limit capacity in jumping areas
• Supervise patrons adequately
• Train staff in first aid and emergency procedures
• Enforce age and height restrictions
• Conduct regular inspections and repairs

Failure to follow these safety protocols can result in liability if a child is injured on the premises.

3. Equipment Manufacturers

If a trampoline injury is caused by a defective spring, mat, enclosure, or frame, the manufacturer or distributor of the trampoline may be held liable under product liability law. Claims may be based on:

• Design defects
• Manufacturing errors
• Failure to warn or provide adequate instructions

4. Schools or Daycares

When schools or child care providers allow trampoline use without proper supervision, they may be held responsible for resulting injuries. These facilities must follow state regulations and duty-of-care standards to prevent foreseeable harm.

5. Other Parents or Caregivers

If another parent or adult was responsible for watching the children during the injury and failed to act reasonably, they may be considered negligent under civil law.

What If You Signed a Waiver?

Most trampoline parks and facilities require visitors to sign a liability waiver before entering. However, a waiver does not necessarily prevent you from filing a lawsuit, especially when it involves a minor.

In Nevada, waivers signed on behalf of children are not always enforceable. Courts often find that children cannot waive their right to compensation, and parents cannot sign away those rights on their behalf when gross negligence or willful misconduct is involved.

Additionally, waivers do not necessarily protect facilities from liability for:

• Dangerous premises conditions
• Equipment failures
• Failure to supervise
• Violations of building or safety codes

Evidence That Strengthens a Trampoline Injury Case

To prove negligence or product liability, your attorney may collect:

• Photographs or videos of the trampoline, injuries, or scene
• Eyewitness statements from other parents or staff
• Medical records and injury reports
• Police or incident reports (if filed)
• Surveillance footage (in commercial settings)
• Maintenance records and inspection logs
• Product recall history or manufacturer warnings

Preserving this evidence as soon as possible is critical to a successful case.

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

In a successful trampoline injury lawsuit, families may receive compensation for:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Ongoing therapy or surgery
• Medical devices (casts, wheelchairs, braces)
• Prescription medications
• Psychological counseling
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Educational disruptions
• Permanent disability or loss of function
• Loss of earning potential if injuries are long-term

Statute of Limitations for Child Injury Claims in Nevada

In most personal injury cases, Nevada law provides a two-year window from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However, when a minor is involved, the statute of limitations may be “tolled” or paused until the child turns 18.

That means a parent or guardian may file on behalf of the child within two years of the injury, or the child may file on their own within two years after turning 18.

If the injury occurred at a public school, government-run facility, or on city property, a formal notice of claim must be filed within six months of the injury.

What Should Parents Do After a Trampoline Injury?

Taking the right steps after a trampoline accident can protect your child’s health and legal rights:

1. Seek immediate medical care, even for minor injuries.
2. Report the incident to the property owner, manager, or facility operator.
3. Request copies of any incident reports or medical evaluations.
4. Take photos of the injury and the trampoline, including any broken or missing parts.
5. Get the names and contact info of witnesses.
6. Keep all receipts and documentation for medical expenses.
7. Avoid signing additional waivers or releases until you speak to an attorney.
8. Contact a personal injury lawyer with experience in child injury claims.

How Van Law Firm Can Help

At Van Law Firm, we understand how traumatic it is to see your child injured because of someone else’s negligence. Our legal team has extensive experience handling complex child injury cases in Nevada, including trampoline park injuries, unsafe home setups, and daycare negligence.

We work with:

• Medical experts to assess long-term treatment needs
• Accident reconstruction professionals
• Safety code specialists
• Investigators to gather evidence and witness statements

Our goal is to secure the full compensation your child deserves—not just for current medical bills, but for the lasting effects that may follow them for years.

No Fees Unless We Win

We represent injured families on a contingency basis. That means:

• No upfront costs
• No hourly fees
• No payment unless we win your case

We offer free consultations and honest assessments so you can decide how to move forward with confidence.

Contact Van Law Firm Today

If your child was injured on a trampoline due to someone else’s negligence or unsafe conditions, do not assume you have no legal options. Let Van Law Firm help you understand your rights and pursue the justice your family deserves.