A study compiled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission is revealing the dangers associated with inflatable amusements, like moon bounces, and the numbers are shocking the public. In 2013 alone, there were an estimated 17,377 injuries related to these attractions in the United States that caused those who were hurt to seek emergency medical treatment. It is likely that an even higher number of children were harmed on inflatables but suffered minor injuries that could wait some time before treatment. At a minimum, it appears than an average of 47 people were treated every day that year in hospitals or other critical care settings due to the harm that they suffered in an inflatable.
The 2013 year saw more than three times as many serious injuries from inflatables as 2003 and this significant increase is a trend that continues today. More and more children and adults are injured annually and yet inflatables and bounce houses continue to be popular toys, leading some to question why the injuries are happening and why the inflatables keep getting used.
There is some inherent risk associated with inflatable toys that may be difficult to avoid in their entirety. Often, children want to play on these inflatables together but the presence of more than one individual can mean that collisions among them will happen, potentially leading to harm. In other cases, though, an inflatable may be improperly used or designed and that may lead to harm. Failing to tie down an inflatable or otherwise secure it, failure to place the inflatable on level ground, placing an inflatable near a dangerous surface like concrete, using an inflatable that is in poor repair or condition, or failing to follow the safety precautions that come with the inflatable can all lead to injuries.
When children or minors are injured in these incidents, broken bones, cuts and abrasions, closed head injuries, vision problems, damage to internal organs, cognitive impairments, and other damages are likely to occur. That should leave parents wondering what is greater: the risk of injuries or the fun that their kids may have by playing on an inflatable.
Concerned parents should note that there are things they can do to keep their kids safe in and around inflatables, including those in Arizona. First, if you have concerns, keep your children from using these devices as it is always better to be safe than sorry. This means if an inflatable looks dangerous or otherwise problematic, put safety first and consider a different activity for the day.
If you intend to let your child or children play on an inflatable, make sure it is inflated properly and that the device is secured to the ground. As the air in these make the inflatables lightweight, it is possible for them to leave the ground with a large gust of wind, making it a safety issue if the inflatable is not secured or tied down to the ground. Also, only let your children play according to the guidelines set by the manufacturer of the device. If your child is too heavy, know that he or she may be hurt by using the inflatable. Further, do not exceed the maximum number of individuals or a total weight limit when using these devices as it can make an inflatable more likely to fail and therefore more likely to cause harm.
Finally, know that you and your children may have the right to relief if an inflatable accident happens in the Phoenix area and causes injuries. The legal team at Abels & Annes, P.C. has an attorney standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191. If you prefer, contact us online and let us help you that way.
No matter how you choose to reach out to us, know that we offer a case consultation without cost or obligation to victims who contact us and we keep everything discussed confidential. If we represent you in your case, we will never charge you a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf and we will fight for the best possible outcome for your and your child.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe in fighting for victims’ rights. Let us fight for you today.
Prior Blog Entry:
Do Not Drink and Drive This Holiday Season, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 17, 2015.