Trampoline park injuries are common in Nevada, especially among children and teenagers who visit indoor jump parks in Las Vegas and throughout Clark County. Broken bones, sprains, knee injuries, and concussions frequently occur when several people share interconnected trampoline surfaces. Nevada law may allow an injury claim when negligence contributes to an accident, even if a liability waiver was signed at check in. A visit that begins as a fun activity can quickly turn into a serious medical and legal problem for a family.
What Injuries Happen Most Often at Trampoline Parks?
Common trampoline injuries include broken bones, sprains, strains, dislocations, and head injuries. Many involve the wrists, forearms, elbows, ankles, and knees because those joints absorb the force of landings and falls. Concussions and other head injuries occur when a person strikes another participant, a wall pad, a support structure, or the floor. These injury categories capture the patterns most frequently seen in emergency departments after trampoline park accidents.
When Can a Trampoline Park Be Held Liable Under Nevada Law?
A trampoline park may be held liable when an injury happens because the facility did not use reasonable care under the circumstances. That can include overcrowded jump zones, lack of trained staff, broken or loose padding, exposed hard edges, poor lighting, or failure to separate different age groups and skill levels. Nevada law focuses on whether the park created or allowed a dangerous condition that increased the risk of harm. Liability depends on the specific facts, including what the park knew or should have known about the hazard and what steps it took to protect visitors.
How Common Are Trampoline and Trampoline Park Injuries?
Trampoline related injuries are a well recognized issue in national injury data. National medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, and federal agencies such as the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, have reported tens of thousands of trampoline injuries that require emergency room care each year. A large share of these patients are children and teenagers, which reflects how often young people participate in trampoline activities during parties, camps, and school breaks.
Indoor trampoline parks have become an increasingly visible source of these injuries. Many facilities operate in large warehouse style spaces and run at high capacity, especially in metropolitan areas like Las Vegas. Emergency physicians report that trampoline park injuries often involve significant forces because participants can jump from higher platforms, rebound between angled surfaces, and land in unpredictable ways when others are using the same trampoline bed. These environments can generate injuries that range from mild sprains to complex fractures and head trauma.
National Trampoline Injury Statistics and Emergency Room Visits
National injury surveillance systems suggest that tens of thousands of trampoline related injuries lead to emergency room visits in the United States each year. Children represent a substantial portion of these cases. Fractures are among the most common serious injuries, particularly in the arms and legs where children instinctively extend their limbs to break a fall. Emergency physicians also see a consistent flow of head and neck injuries, including concussions that require observation, imaging, and follow up care. While some injuries resolve with rest and short term treatment, others require surgery or long rehabilitation.
Trampoline Park Injuries Compared to Home Trampoline Injuries
Trampoline park injuries differ from home trampoline injuries in important ways. Home trampolines usually involve a small number of users and a single jumping surface. Trampoline parks concentrate many participants on interconnected beds, wall surfaces, platforms, and foam pits. This increases the frequency of collisions, double bouncing events, and falls from one surface to another. As a result, injuries at commercial parks can be more severe, with higher rates of fractures and complex joint damage. These distinctions matter for understanding how the injury happened and whether facility practices contributed to the outcome.
Which Age Groups Are Most Affected by Trampoline Park Injuries?
Children between the ages of five and fifteen experience the highest rate of trampoline park injuries, with a peak in the ten to fourteen age range. Younger children have developing coordination and weaker bones, which can make them more vulnerable to hard landings and sudden shifts in force. When smaller children share jumping areas with older or heavier participants, differences in size and weight can amplify the effect of a bounce or collision. Teenagers may attempt flips or advanced tricks without proper technique or supervision, which can increase the likelihood of serious injuries to the head, neck, and knees.
The Most Common Trampoline Park Injuries Seen in Nevada
In Nevada, trampoline park injuries follow national patterns but are influenced by the presence of large commercial facilities in Las Vegas and Clark County that serve residents and visitors. Local emergency rooms and urgent care centers frequently treat injuries that arise from misjudged jumps, collisions in crowded jump zones, and falls from elevated elements. The injuries range from minor strains that heal with rest to complex fractures and head injuries that require specialist care and months of recovery.
Sprains, Strains, and Other Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains and strains are among the most common injuries at trampoline parks. Ankles often roll when a person lands on the edge between two trampoline beds or on an uneven surface. Wrists and shoulders can be strained when jumpers extend their arms to break a fall or grab nearby structures for balance. Back and neck strains occur when torsos twist suddenly midair or during awkward landings. Although some soft tissue injuries improve with rest, others cause persistent pain and may require physical therapy, bracing, or time away from work or school.
Broken Bones and Dislocations at Trampoline Parks
Broken bones and dislocations occur frequently in trampoline park settings. Common fracture sites include the wrist and forearm when someone falls forward and extends an arm toward the surface. Elbow fractures can result from locked arms during a fall, while tibia and ankle fractures may follow forceful landings on a hyperextended leg or on the edge of a trampoline frame. Dislocations can affect shoulders, fingers, and elbows when joints are pushed beyond their normal range of motion. These injuries often require casting or splinting, and more complicated fractures may involve surgery with plates, screws, or other hardware. Recovery periods can be lengthy, affecting daily activities, sports, and work, which is an important consideration in broken bone injury cases.
Head, Neck, and Spinal Injuries From Trampoline Accidents
Head, neck, and spinal injuries are among the most serious outcomes of trampoline accidents. Concussions can result from collisions with other jumpers, impacts with padded walls, or falls to the floor. More severe traumatic brain injuries may occur when the head strikes a hard surface or when rotational forces move the brain within the skull. Cervical spine injuries can happen during flips, attempted stunts, or falls where the neck takes the force of impact. In Las Vegas, individuals with significant head or spinal concerns are often evaluated and treated at facilities such as UMC Trauma Center and Sunrise Hospital, which offer advanced imaging, neurosurgical consultation, and intensive care services.
Common Trampoline Knee Injuries at Jump Parks
Knee injuries are a significant concern at trampoline parks. The knee joint bears high loads during repetitive jumping and sudden changes in direction. ACL and MCL injuries can occur when the knee twists inward or outward during an unstable landing or when one leg absorbs a disproportionate share of the landing force. Meniscus tears may arise from rotational forces combined with compression when a person pivots on a bent knee. These injuries often cause swelling, instability, and difficulty walking. Many require advanced imaging, bracing, or surgery, followed by extensive physical therapy to restore strength and movement.
Why Trampoline Park Injuries Happen More Often Than Expected
Trampoline parks present themselves as family friendly entertainment venues, which can lead visitors to underestimate the level of risk involved. The combination of high energy movement, variable skill levels, and complex park layouts creates an environment where injuries can occur quickly. The physics of jumping on elastic surfaces magnifies forces on joints and bones. When crowds are large and supervision is limited, the risk of misjudged jumps, collisions, and falls grows substantially.
Common Injury Mechanisms at Indoor Trampoline Parks
Several common mechanisms lead to trampoline park injuries. Double bouncing happens when one participant’s jump sends another higher and faster than expected, causing a loss of control on landing. Collisions occur when jumpers move in different directions across the same bed or travel between adjacent surfaces without clear traffic patterns. Foam pits can cause injuries when jumpers land in shallow foam, hit the bottom structure, or attempt flips and dives without proper technique. Even simple jumps can cause harm when a person lands partially on a pad, partially on a spring area, or on a surface that feels different than expected underfoot.
Safety Failures That Increase Injury Risk
Facility practices can significantly affect injury rates. Overcrowding makes it difficult for staff to monitor behavior, enforce rules, and separate jumpers by age or skill level. Inadequate supervision may allow dangerous conduct such as running across beds, attempting unapproved flips, or jumping off elevated platforms without control. Worn padding, loose mats, exposed hardware, and deteriorated trampoline fabrics create additional hazards. Poor park design, such as placing high energy elements next to areas intended for younger children, can also increase risk. These failures are often preventable with proper inspection, maintenance, and staffing.
Who May Be Responsible for a Trampoline Park Injury in Nevada?
Determining responsibility for a trampoline park injury in Nevada involves looking at how the facility is owned, operated, and maintained, and at how different parties contributed to the conditions that led to the incident. Several groups may play a role, and responsibility may be shared depending on the facts.
Trampoline Park Owners and Operators
Owners and operators are typically the primary parties responsible for establishing safety policies and maintaining the premises. Their duties can include designing or approving the layout, hiring and training staff, setting capacity limits, conducting inspections, and scheduling repairs. When owners or operators ignore known problems, fail to invest in proper maintenance, or put revenue ahead of safety, they increase the chance of preventable injuries. In many Nevada cases, the analysis focuses on what steps management took or failed to take in light of the risks associated with trampoline activities.
Employees, Contractors, and Equipment Manufacturers
Employees have direct contact with guests and play a critical role in enforcing rules, monitoring jump zones, and responding to dangerous behavior. If staff members do not intervene when participants act unsafely, fail to close off damaged areas, or do not follow training protocols, their actions may contribute to an injury. Contractors who install or repair trampoline systems, padding, or structural components may be responsible if deficient work leads to equipment failure or unsafe conditions. Equipment manufacturers can also be involved when design defects, material failures, or inadequate warnings make trampoline components unreasonably dangerous for their intended use. Each of these parties may be evaluated based on their specific role in creating or failing to prevent the hazard.
How Comparative Negligence Works in Nevada Injury Claims
Nevada follows a comparative negligence system that looks at the conduct of everyone involved in an incident. In practical terms, this means that an injured person’s actions and the conduct of the park and other parties are all considered when responsibility is assigned. The goal is to reach an allocation of fault that fairly reflects how each decision or omission contributed to the outcome. The way comparative negligence applies in any given case depends on detailed facts, including what each participant knew, what rules were in place, and how the incident unfolded.
Do Liability Waivers Prevent Trampoline Injury Claims in Nevada?
Most trampoline parks in Nevada require visitors or their parents to sign liability waivers during the check in process. These documents are designed to protect the park by acknowledging certain risks connected to jumping activities. However, waivers do not automatically block every possible claim, and their effect depends on the language used and the specific facts of the incident.
What Trampoline Park Liability Waivers Are Meant to Cover
Liability waivers are usually drafted to address risks that are inherent to trampoline activities. They often state that participants understand they may fall, collide with objects or other people, or suffer injuries while jumping. By signing, guests are asked to accept some level of personal responsibility for ordinary risks associated with the activity. Parks use these documents to argue that certain accident scenarios were contemplated and voluntarily accepted by guests before they entered the jump areas.
When Waivers Do Not Protect Trampoline Parks From Liability
Even with a signed waiver, trampoline parks may still face claims in situations involving unsafe conditions that go beyond ordinary risks. Poor maintenance, hidden structural problems, defective equipment, and reckless disregard for basic safety can raise questions about whether the harm stemmed from hazards that a reasonable participant would expect to face. Courts may view claims involving gross negligence, serious code violations, or non inherent risks differently than injuries that result from ordinary missteps or misjudged jumps. The effect of a waiver is also influenced by how clearly it was written, how it was presented, and who signed it.
Special Considerations When Children Are Injured
When children are injured at trampoline parks, additional legal considerations can arise. Nationally, courts often examine waivers involving minors with more caution, especially when parents did not receive a meaningful explanation of the risks or the document’s legal effect. The age of the child, the level of supervision provided, and the design of areas marketed as suitable for younger jumpers can all factor into the analysis. Outcomes depend heavily on state law and on the details of how the incident occurred.
What To Do After a Trampoline Park Injury in Las Vegas or Clark County
The steps taken immediately after a trampoline park injury can affect both health and any potential legal claim. Families in Las Vegas and Clark County often feel overwhelmed as they try to manage medical care, communication with the park, and questions from insurance companies. A calm and organized approach can help protect an injured person’s rights while keeping the focus on recovery.
When To Seek Emergency or Trauma Level Medical Care
Emergency care should be a priority when there are signs of serious injury. Symptoms such as severe pain, obvious deformity of a limb, deep cuts, inability to bear weight, loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, neck pain, or numbness and tingling in the arms or legs can all indicate a need for urgent evaluation. In those situations, it is often appropriate to call emergency services or travel to the nearest emergency department or trauma center rather than waiting to see if symptoms improve. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and create a clear medical record of what happened.
Documenting the Incident and Preserving Evidence
Once the injured person is safe, it can be helpful to document the conditions at the trampoline park. Photographs or videos of the area where the injury occurred, including surfaces, padding, signage, and any visible hazards, may be important later. Collecting the names and contact information of witnesses who saw the incident or the conditions leading up to it can also help. Keeping copies of receipts, wristbands, waivers, and any written communication from the park provides a record of the visit. Clothing and footwear worn at the time of the injury should be saved in case they become relevant.
Dealing With Incident Reports and Insurance Requests
Trampoline parks often ask injured guests to complete incident reports, and their insurance representatives may reach out soon after the event. When filling out a report, it is important to provide accurate basic information without guessing about causes or long term effects. Insurance adjusters may ask for recorded statements or broad authorizations for medical records. Individuals should be cautious about signing documents or giving detailed statements before they understand how that information might be used. Taking time to review requests and, when appropriate, seeking legal guidance can help protect an injured person’s interests.
Time Limits and Compensation in Nevada Trampoline Injury Cases
Nevada law imposes time limits on filing personal injury claims and defines the categories of compensation that may be available. Understanding these limits and potential damages can help families make informed decisions after a trampoline park injury.
How Long You Have To File a Trampoline Injury Claim in Nevada?
Under NRS 11.190, most personal injury claims in Nevada must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. This deadline is referred to as the statute of limitations. Missing the filing deadline can prevent an injured person from pursuing compensation in court, regardless of how strong the underlying facts might be. Because some injuries involve ongoing treatment and changing diagnoses, it is important to be aware of this time frame early and to avoid assuming that there will always be more time later.
Damages Available After a Trampoline Park Injury
Compensation in a Nevada trampoline park injury case may include several categories of damages. Medical expenses can cover emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, imaging, medication, and rehabilitation. Lost income may be available when injuries prevent a person from working or restrict hours and duties. Pain and suffering reflects the physical discomfort and emotional distress associated with the injury and recovery process. In more serious cases, damages may also account for future medical needs, reduced earning capacity, and long term limitations on daily activities. The types and amounts of damages depend on the severity of the injury and its impact on the person’s life.
Talking With a Nevada Trampoline Injury Lawyer About Your Options
Trampoline park injuries can involve complex questions about facility design, safety practices, medical treatment, and long term recovery. Families often want to know whether the park could have prevented the injury and what steps they can take to protect their future. Speaking with a Nevada trampoline injury lawyer can help clarify how state law applies to the specific circumstances and whether a claim may be appropriate.
Drummond Law Firm is based in Las Vegas and represents injured individuals throughout Clark County and across Nevada. The firm brings a combination of trial experience and military discipline to the evaluation and handling of injury cases, including those involving trampoline parks and other recreational facilities. Call the Captain today at 702-CAPTAIN or contact us online to discuss a trampoline park injury, learn more about available options, and receive guidance tailored to the facts of the situation. And remember, our Reduced Fee Guarantee® ensures that Drummond Law Firm will not take more in attorney fees than you receive.