Bounce House Accidents

If you’ve ever been to a fair, special occasions, picnic, or a birthday party that involved children, you’ve probably seen the bounce houses that have become so popular. While these large toys may seem innocent and fun, the fact is, bounce house accidents and their related insurance claims have risen dramatically in recent years. Bounce house accident injuries can be severe, and the associated medical bills can reach into the thousands of dollars, or more.

If your child has been injured in an accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.

Bounce House Accident Statistics

In a study by Nationwide Children’s Hospital with data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), between 1995 and 2010, the number of inflatable bouncer-related accident injuries rose 1,500%. In 2010, these accidents resulted in 31 children being seen daily in emergency rooms across the country. 46% of bounce house accidents occurred in a commercial setting (non-home), while 21% occurred at home, and 33% of these accidents had no stated location.

The study also found that nearly half of the injured children were between 6-12 years of age and a third of the injured children were under the age of 5. Arm and leg injuries were the most commonly seen types of injuries, while children under 5 sustained fractures, and teenagers often sustained sprains and strains.

The most frightening statistics from the study were that 1 in 5 children, or 18.5% of them, suffered head and neck injuries and 12 deaths occurred between 2003-2013. These statistics are on par with trampoline injuries, however unlike trampolines, bounce houses are not subject to national safety guidelines.

Types of Bounce Houses

Rental bounce houses are owned by a rental company that will deliver and set-up the unit either for private, home use for things such as parties, or to larger gatherings such as church picnics, fairs, or other events. While most people assume that these companies are experienced in the safe set-up of these bounce houses, some companies are much better than others and it is important to question them on their safety record and reputation before arranging for a rental.

Besides rental bounce house companies, there has been an increase in the number of dedicated bounce house facilities throughout Illinois. These businesses cater to families looking for a different, and supposedly healthy, activity, however the sudden increase in bounce house accidents can be attributed to the increase in the number of these facilities and their popularity.

Finally, some smaller versions of bounce houses have been made available for private purchase and while they may initially seem like a fun way to get children outside and playing, even these smaller bounce houses are not without risk of injury.

Bounce House Legal Responsibility

Bounce house rental companies and dedicated bounce house facilities will typically require anyone using their products to sign a legal waiver before rental or use. These waivers state that the consumer is liable for all injuries they should sustain by using these bounce houses and the company bears no responsibility. If you or a loved on is hosting a bounce house on your own property for a party, many lawyers will recommend that there also be a waiver for any and all children taking part in playing on the inflatable.

It is important to note that the waiver only covers the risk associated with using the bounce house. Waivers do not cover negligence, such as an improperly set-up or inadequately maintained bounce house.

While nobody intends to get injured in a bounce house, accidents still happen. If your child was injured in a bounce house accident, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to determine which party may be liable for their injuries and damages.

We at 844 See Mike are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, especially when you or a loved one has been injured, and we are fully committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that the other party is held legally accountable when negligence occurs. We will fight until the very end to ensure that you are fully compensated for all injuries and losses resulting from the accident, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and you won’t owe us a dime for our services.

We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at work we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at 844 See Mike, we put People, First.

Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google.  Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com, or schedule meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.