Illinois Trampoline Park Accident Lawyers

Top Injury Attorneys for Broken Bones from Trampolines and Foam Pits

Trampoline parks have become increasingly popular destinations for children’s birthday parties, family outings, school celebrations, and recreational activities. These indoor entertainment facilities offer wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball courts, climbing walls, obstacle courses, and other attractions designed to provide hours of physical activity. While trampoline parks are marketed as fun environments for people of all ages, they can also expose visitors to significant risks of injury when equipment is defective, safety rules are ignored, or employees fail to properly supervise activities.

A trampoline park accident can result in much more than a minor bump or bruise. Children and adults can suffer broken bones, torn ligaments, spinal cord injuries, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious medical conditions. Some injuries require surgery, extended rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. In the most severe cases, a trampoline accident can result in permanent disability or even death.

According to research published in the American Academy of Pediatrics journal, trampoline parks reported more than 13,000 injuries over a three-year study period. Researchers found that approximately 10.8% of those injuries were classified as significant, demonstrating that trampoline park accidents can have serious consequences.

When an injury occurs because a trampoline park fails to maintain reasonably safe premises, properly inspect equipment, or protect visitors from foreseeable hazards, the facility may be legally responsible. At John J. Malm & Associates, our Illinois personal injury lawyers represent individuals and families who have suffered serious injuries because of negligent property owners and businesses.

“Trampoline parks have a responsibility to take reasonable precautions to protect the children and families who visit their facilities. When inadequate supervision, unsafe equipment, or preventable safety violations result in a serious injury, families deserve answers. We believe businesses should be held accountable when their negligence causes harm to others.” — John J. Malm, Naperville trampoline injury attorney

How Common Are Trampoline Park Accidents?

Trampoline-related injuries have been a significant public health concern for years. As indoor trampoline parks have expanded, researchers have increasingly examined the types of injuries associated with these facilities and the activities that create the greatest risks.

A 2024 study published in Pediatrics, examined injury records from 18 trampoline parks in Australia and the Middle East between 2017 and 2019. The researchers reported:

• 13,256 total injuries over the three-year study period.
• 1,431 significant injuries, representing approximately 10.8% of reported injuries.
• Children ages 10 to 14 accounted for 41.3% of injured visitors.
• Children ages 5 to 9 accounted for another 24.6%.
• Approximately 58.6% of injured visitors were male.
• Free jumping accounted for 30.9% of reported injuries.
• High-performance jumping accounted for 20.2% of injuries.

The researchers also calculated an adjusted injury rate of 1.14 injuries per 1,000 jumper hours and a significant injury rate of 0.11 per 1,000 jumper hours. High-performance jumping and activities involving inflatable bags or foam pits had some of the highest injury rates.

Other research has identified substantial numbers of trampoline-related emergency department visits in the United States. A study published in Pediatrics examining trampoline park injuries found that estimated emergency department visits associated with trampoline parks increased from 581 in 2010 to 6,932 in 2014. Sprains and fractures were among the most common injuries.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also reports that more than 800,000 children were injured on trampolines between 2009 and 2018, based on research examining trampoline-related injuries. Although these figures include both home and recreational trampoline injuries, they demonstrate the broader risks associated with trampoline activities.

These statistics demonstrate why trampoline park operators must take safety seriously. A recreational facility that invites large numbers of children and adults to jump, flip, collide, and participate in athletic activities has a responsibility to take reasonable precautions against foreseeable injuries.

The 10 Most Common Injuries in Trampoline Park Accidents

Trampoline park accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. The type and severity of an injury often depend on how the accident happened, the visitor’s age, the activity involved, the condition of the equipment, and whether another person contributed to the incident. The following are ten common categories of injuries associated with trampoline accidents.

1. Broken Bones and Fractures

Fractures are among the most frequently reported injuries in trampoline accidents. When someone lands awkwardly, collides with another jumper, or falls onto a hard surface, the impact can cause a bone to crack or break. Common trampoline park fractures include:

• Wrist and forearm fractures.
• Broken fingers and hands.
• Ankle fractures.
• Tibia and fibula fractures.
• Femur fractures.
• Collarbone fractures.
• Elbow fractures.

Children are particularly vulnerable because their developing bones may respond differently to sudden forces and awkward landings. Some pediatric fractures involve growth plates, which are areas of developing cartilage near the ends of long bones. Damage to a growth plate can interfere with normal bone development.

Severe fractures may require surgery, pins, plates, screws, or other orthopedic interventions. Recovery can involve months of physical therapy and may leave a victim with permanent limitations.

2. Ankle Sprains and Ligament Tears

Ankle injuries are common when trampoline users land unevenly or twist their feet during a jump. The bouncing surface can make it difficult to maintain balance, particularly when multiple people are jumping nearby.

An ankle sprain occurs when ligaments supporting the joint stretch or tear. More severe injuries can involve complete ligament ruptures or associated fractures. Symptoms may include:

• Swelling and bruising.
• Pain when walking or standing.
• Joint instability.
• Reduced range of motion.
• Difficulty bearing weight.

Serious ankle injuries may require immobilization, surgery, or extensive rehabilitation. Some victims develop chronic ankle instability or recurring pain that interferes with sports, employment, and everyday activities.

3. Knee Injuries and Torn Ligaments

Trampoline users place considerable stress on their knees when jumping, landing, and changing directions. A sudden twisting movement or awkward landing can damage the ligaments and cartilage that stabilize the knee. Potential injuries include:

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.
• Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries.
• Meniscus tears.
• Patellar dislocations.
• Knee sprains.
• Cartilage damage.

A torn ACL or meniscus can be particularly serious. Victims may experience swelling, instability, difficulty walking, and an inability to participate in physical activities. Depending on the injury, treatment may require arthroscopic surgery, ligament reconstruction, physical therapy, and months of recovery.

4. Head Injuries and Concussions

Trampoline park visitors can suffer head injuries when they fall, collide with another jumper, strike equipment, or land awkwardly. A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury that can temporarily affect normal brain function. More severe impacts can cause serious traumatic brain injuries requiring hospitalization and long-term medical treatment. Common concussion symptoms include:

• Headaches.
• Dizziness and balance problems.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Confusion and disorientation.
• Memory difficulties.
• Sensitivity to light and sound.
• Changes in sleep patterns.
• Difficulty concentrating.

Children who suffer concussions may experience difficulties at school, problems with memory, and changes in behavior. Some symptoms can persist for weeks or months. Any suspected concussion should be evaluated by a medical professional. Loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, worsening headaches, seizures, or increasing confusion require emergency medical attention.

5. Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries

Spinal injuries are among the most concerning consequences of trampoline park accidents. A person who lands on their head or neck while attempting a flip or somersault may suffer severe damage to the cervical spine. Potential spinal injuries include:

• Cervical spine fractures.
• Vertebral compression fractures.
• Herniated discs.
• Spinal cord injuries.
• Nerve damage.
• Paralysis.

Spinal cord injuries can permanently affect mobility, sensation, and bodily functions. Victims may require emergency surgery, extensive rehabilitation, assistive devices, and lifelong medical care.

6. Shoulder and Arm Injuries

A visitor who loses balance or falls onto an outstretched arm may suffer serious shoulder or upper-extremity injuries. Common injuries include:

• Shoulder dislocations.
• Rotator cuff tears.
• Broken collarbones.
• Elbow fractures.
• Wrist fractures.
• Torn shoulder ligaments.

Children and adults may instinctively extend their arms to break a fall. Unfortunately, this reaction can transfer substantial force to the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Some shoulder injuries resolve with physical therapy, while others require surgery to repair torn tendons or stabilize the joint.

7. Back Injuries and Herniated Discs

Repeated bouncing, awkward landings, and collisions can place significant stress on the spine. A trampoline user who lands forcefully on their back may suffer damage to spinal muscles, ligaments, vertebrae, or intervertebral discs. Potential injuries include:

• Lumbar strains.
• Thoracic spine injuries.
• Herniated discs.
• Compression fractures.
• Sciatica.
• Nerve compression.

These injuries can cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, and difficulty performing everyday activities. In serious cases, victims may need spinal injections, surgery, or long-term pain management.

8. Facial Injuries and Dental Trauma

Trampoline park accidents can cause facial injuries when visitors collide with other jumpers, strike equipment, or fall onto hard surfaces. Potential injuries include:

• Broken or chipped teeth.
• Jaw fractures.
• Facial lacerations.
• Broken noses.
• Eye injuries.
• Facial fractures.

Some injuries require emergency dental treatment, oral surgery, reconstructive procedures, or treatment for permanent scarring.

9. Bruises, Contusions, and Soft-Tissue Injuries

Not every trampoline accident causes a fracture or other major orthopedic injury. Many visitors experience bruising, muscle strains, and soft-tissue injuries after falling or colliding with other jumpers. Although these injuries may initially seem minor, they can still cause considerable pain and interfere with everyday activities.

Common symptoms include swelling, tenderness, muscle stiffness, bruising, and reduced range of motion. Some soft-tissue injuries take weeks or months to resolve, particularly when the underlying damage is more extensive than initially apparent.

10. Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

In severe trampoline accidents, the impact of a fall or collision can cause internal injuries. A person who lands forcefully on their abdomen or chest may suffer damage to internal organs. Potential injuries include:

• Internal bleeding.
• Abdominal organ injuries.
• Lung injuries.
• Chest trauma.
• Kidney injuries.
• Damage to abdominal muscles and tissues.

Internal injuries can be life-threatening and may not produce obvious external signs immediately after an accident. Anyone experiencing severe abdominal pain, chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, or unusual weakness after a trampoline accident should receive emergency medical attention.

What Causes Trampoline Park Accidents?

Trampoline park accidents can happen for many reasons. Although some injuries are caused by the inherent risks of jumping, others result from preventable safety failures, inadequate supervision, defective equipment, or negligent business practices. Common causes of trampoline park accidents include the following:

Inadequate Employee Supervision

Trampoline parks often have employees stationed throughout the facility to monitor jumping areas, enforce safety rules, and respond to emergencies. When employees fail to perform these responsibilities, visitors may engage in dangerous activities that put themselves and others at risk. Examples of inadequate supervision include:

• Allowing too many people to jump in the same area.
• Permitting children and adults to use the same jumping surfaces without appropriate safeguards.
• Failing to stop dangerous flips, tricks, and other prohibited activities.
• Allowing visitors to jump in restricted areas.
• Failing to intervene when visitors engage in horseplay.
• Leaving high-risk attractions unattended.

A trampoline park that advertises supervised recreational activities should take reasonable steps to ensure that employees are properly trained and actually monitor the areas assigned to them.

Defective or Poorly Maintained Equipment

Trampoline park equipment must be regularly inspected and maintained. Damaged equipment can expose visitors to dangerous conditions that increase the likelihood of falls, collisions, and serious injuries. Potential equipment problems include:

• Torn or damaged trampoline mats.
• Worn-out springs or broken connections.
• Missing or inadequate protective padding.
• Damaged safety nets.
• Exposed metal frames.
• Unstable platforms.
• Defective foam pit structures.
• Improperly maintained climbing walls and obstacle courses.

If a facility knows or should know about a dangerous equipment condition and fails to repair it, restrict access, or warn visitors, it may be responsible for resulting injuries.

Overcrowding and Multiple Jumpers

One of the most significant risks at trampoline parks is allowing too many people to jump in the same area. When multiple visitors use the same trampoline surface, their movements can interact unpredictably. A larger or heavier jumper may generate greater force, causing a smaller child to be thrown off balance or propelled into the air. Trampoline park operators should establish and enforce reasonable occupancy limits and age or size restrictions where appropriate.

Dangerous Tricks and Inadequate Safety Rules

Flips, somersaults, and high-performance maneuvers can cause serious head, neck, and spinal injuries when performed incorrectly. Trampoline parks should establish clear rules governing dangerous activities and take reasonable steps to enforce them. Allowing inexperienced visitors to attempt advanced maneuvers without appropriate safeguards can create foreseeable risks.

Unsafe Foam Pits and Landing Areas

Foam pits are often marketed as safer places to land after jumping or performing tricks. However, these attractions can present their own hazards. Potential problems include:

• Insufficient foam blocks.
• Foam that has become compressed or displaced.
• Hard surfaces beneath inadequate padding.
• Poorly designed entry and exit areas.
• Visitors landing on top of other people.
• Inadequate separation between jumping areas and foam pits.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Trampoline Park Accident in Illinois?

When a trampoline park accident occurs, determining who is legally responsible requires examining the circumstances surrounding the injury. Not every accident establishes negligence, but trampoline park operators and other responsible parties may be liable when their failure to exercise reasonable care causes harm. Several parties may potentially be responsible, including:

Trampoline Park Owners and Operators

Under Illinois premises liability principles, property owners and businesses that invite customers onto their premises generally have a duty to exercise reasonable care to maintain reasonably safe conditions. A trampoline park may be liable when it:

• Fails to inspect its equipment.
• Knows about dangerous conditions but does not correct them.
• Fails to provide adequate warnings.
• Does not enforce reasonable safety rules.
• Fails to provide appropriate supervision.
• Allows overcrowding that creates foreseeable dangers.
• Fails to properly train employees.

Negligent Employees

Employees may contribute to trampoline park accidents by failing to monitor jumping areas, ignoring dangerous conduct, or failing to follow established safety procedures. Depending on the circumstances, the trampoline park operator may also be held responsible for negligent acts committed by employees within the scope of their employment under principles of vicarious liability.

Equipment Manufacturers and Maintenance Companies

Sometimes, the accident is caused by a defective trampoline, improperly designed foam pit, faulty safety enclosure, or another dangerous product. In those situations, the manufacturer, distributor, or another company in the product’s distribution chain may potentially be responsible under Illinois product liability law. A maintenance contractor may also face liability if negligent inspection, installation, or repair work creates a dangerous condition.

What Should You Do After a Trampoline Park Accident?

The steps taken immediately after a trampoline park accident can make a significant difference in protecting your health and preserving evidence. If you or your child is injured, consider taking the following actions:

• Seek medical attention. Have the injury evaluated promptly, even if it initially appears minor. Some fractures, concussions, and spinal injuries are not immediately obvious.
• Report the accident. Notify a park employee or manager and request that an incident report be completed.
• Document the scene. Photograph the trampoline, foam pit, damaged equipment, safety padding, surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
• Identify witnesses. Obtain contact information from people who saw the accident, including other visitors and employees.
• Preserve the waiver. Keep copies of any documents signed before entering the facility, including electronic agreements.
• Request preservation of surveillance footage. Many trampoline parks have security cameras. Video may show the accident, employee supervision, and the condition of the equipment.
• Keep medical records. Save hospital records, diagnostic imaging, treatment notes, prescriptions, and rehabilitation documentation.
• Avoid rushing into an insurance settlement. Do not sign a release or accept compensation before understanding the extent of the injuries and potential future medical needs.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Trampoline Park Injury?

When negligence causes a trampoline park accident, injured victims may be entitled to recover compensation for their economic and non-economic losses. Depending on the circumstances, damages may include:

Economic damages:

• Emergency room and hospital expenses.
• Surgery and medical treatment.
• Physical and occupational therapy.
• Prescription medications.
• Medical equipment and assistive devices.
• Future medical expenses.
• Lost wages.
• Reduced future earning capacity.

Non-economic damages:

• Physical pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.
• Loss of normal life.
• Permanent disability.
• Disfigurement and scarring.
• Loss of enjoyment of recreational activities.

When a child suffers a serious trampoline park injury, the financial and emotional consequences can extend well beyond the initial medical treatment. Parents may face substantial medical expenses, missed work, transportation costs, and the stress of caring for an injured child. A personal injury claim should account for the full impact of the accident, including future treatment needs and lasting limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trampoline Park Accidents

Can I sue a trampoline park if my child gets injured?

Potentially, yes. If your child’s injury resulted from negligent supervision, defective equipment, unsafe premises, or another preventable hazard, the trampoline park may be legally responsible. The specific facts of the accident and any signed waiver must be evaluated.

Are trampoline parks responsible for supervising children?

Trampoline parks must exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. Depending on the activities offered and the facility’s representations, this may include maintaining appropriate staffing, monitoring attractions, enforcing safety rules, and responding to dangerous conduct.

What if my child was injured because another jumper collided with them?

A trampoline park may potentially be liable if inadequate supervision, overcrowding, or failure to enforce safety rules contributed to the collision. The other jumper or their parent may also be relevant to the liability analysis, depending on the circumstances.

Does signing a trampoline park waiver prevent me from filing a lawsuit?

Not necessarily. Illinois courts evaluate liability waivers based on their language, scope, and enforceability. A waiver does not automatically eliminate every potential claim, particularly when minors or conduct outside the release are involved.

What if the trampoline park claims the accident was just part of the risk of jumping?

Trampoline jumping does involve inherent risks. However, that does not mean every injury is unavoidable or that a business is automatically protected from liability. Negligent supervision, defective equipment, and dangerous property conditions may create liability depending on the facts.

Can a parent recover compensation if a child is permanently injured?

Depending on the circumstances, a child may pursue compensation for damages resulting from the injury. Parents may also have separate claims for certain expenses they incur, subject to applicable Illinois law. Serious injuries should be evaluated carefully to account for long-term medical and developmental consequences.

How John J. Malm & Associates Can Help With a Trampoline Park Injury Claim

Trampoline park injury claims can be complicated. Businesses and their insurance companies may argue that visitors voluntarily accepted the risks of jumping or that an injury resulted from an unavoidable accident. They may also rely on signed liability waivers to discourage injured individuals and families from pursuing compensation.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand how important it is to investigate these cases thoroughly. Our Illinois personal injury attorneys work to identify the circumstances that caused an accident and determine whether a business, property owner, employee, or equipment manufacturer may be responsible. When handling a trampoline park injury claim, our firm can:

• Investigate the accident and identify potentially responsible parties.
• Obtain surveillance footage and incident reports.
• Investigate equipment inspection and maintenance practices.
• Review employee training and supervision procedures.
• Examine liability waivers and other agreements.
• Consult medical professionals and qualified safety experts.
• Calculate current and future medical expenses and lost income.
• Negotiate with insurance companies and pursue litigation when necessary.

Our firm has over 95 years of combined litigation experience, and John J. Malm has more than 33 years of legal experience. We represent injured individuals and families throughout Naperville, St. Charles, and surrounding Illinois communities.

Contact the Experienced Illinois Trampoline Park Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

A trip to a trampoline park should be an opportunity for children and families to have fun, not an experience that results in a devastating injury. Unfortunately, negligent supervision, defective equipment, overcrowding, and unsafe facility conditions can turn an ordinary recreational outing into a life-changing event. If you or your child has suffered a serious injury at a trampoline park, you may have legal options for holding the responsible parties accountable.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we are committed to helping injured individuals and families understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. Our experienced Illinois personal injury lawyers can investigate your accident, preserve important evidence, evaluate liability waivers, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation. Let our firm help you determine whether negligence contributed to your trampoline park accident and what legal options may be available to your family.