Legal Considerations for Trampoline Park Parties in Connecticut

The legal considerations for trampoline park parties in Connecticut depend on the cause of the incident and the circumstances. Though complex, trampoline facilities can be held accountable for the injuries caused to others. When trampoline accidents happen, victims often suffer serious injuries and losses, sometimes with devastating and long-term implications. Many victims believe they do not have access to personal injury compensation in these matters, often due to signing a waiver. However, that is a misconception. Speak with a Stratford trampoline injury lawyer today.

Trampoline Parks Could Be Liable for Accidents and Injuries

It is common for children and adults to sign a waiver when entering a trampoline park stating that they cannot hold the trampoline park liable for injuries resulting from accidents. This may give the impression that no action can be taken against the facility if an accident occurs. That is not always the case.

Waiver limitations apply to many cases. For example, under Connecticut law, a signed waiver does not completely and automatically bar a victim from pursuing a claim or lawsuit against the facility or its staff. In situations where the staff or the facility engaged in gross negligence, reckless behavior, or failed to maintain reasonable safety at the facility, the facility can still be held accountable.

Consequences Related to Minors

Trampoline park parties often involve children. That means parents must sign waivers allowing their children to play at the facility during the event. However, in cases of accidents resulting in injuries, the waiver signed by the parents is subject to legal scrutiny. Specifically, the child’s right to pursue a claim later, in cases of severe negligence, will survive the waiver.

Connecticut’s statute of limitations applies a tolling concept. That means if the person suffering the injury is under the age of 18 at the time, the two-year typical deadline to file a claim is tolled. When the child turns 18, it resumes. That gives the person another two years to seek legal action.

Exceptions to Waivers Apply

Legal consequences for trampoline park parties in Connecticut may apply even if a waiver is valid and signed. In these situations, the victim must demonstrate that the facility acted in a grossly negligent or reckless manner. Examples of when this may apply include the following:

• Poor supervision: The facility failed to monitor those jumping during the party. They allowed too many people to engage in the activity, as noted by the manufacturer. They did not take action when they noticed reckless behavior by someone on the trampoline.
• Poor maintenance and upkeep: The facility failed to maintain the trampoline and created unsafe conditions. This may include faulty padding, lack of protection systems, poorly maintained facilities, or exposed springs.
• Lack of properly trained staff: The facility failed to provide employees with proper training on height and weight rules. They did not provide employees with training on handling emergency situations.

In each of these cases, the burden of proof is on the victim. That means you must demonstrate that the facility knew of the risk and failed to act even though they had the ability to do so.

What to Do Now

If you believe a commercial establishment holding a trampoline party failed to maintain safety, you can seek a legal claim against them, even if you signed a waiver. Meet with a premises liability attorney in Connecticut to take that action.