Bounce houses are a popular children’s party activity. In fact, when the weather is nice, you can see these blown up “houses” or “castles” throughout many a backyard. Yet, despite their popularity, bounces houses are surprisingly dangerous and a recent study shows that children are injured at an “alarming” rate inside these fun party toys.
As this article explains, a study from the November 2012 issue of Pediatrics shows that the number of injuries from bounce houses has increased 15-fold since 1995, causing more than 5 injuries per every 100,000 American children.
The study looked at records from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database, which contains information on emergency room visits for children under the age of 18, and found that between 1990 and 2010 almost 65,000 injuries were linked with inflatable bouncers.
Moreover, the study found that the injury rate increased more rapidly in recent years, with the injury rate doubling between 2008 and 2010 and 31 children treated in the emergency room every day for injuries caused by a bounce house.
Most bounce house injuries are caused by falls, which account for 43 percent of all injuries, followed by stunts and collisions. A significant percent of injuries occurred in bouncers at home (38 percent), but most occurred at a recreational setting (44 percent).
The most common injuries include fractures, strains, and sprains, but one in five injuries occurred to the head and neck, which could lead to more serious problems like concussions and traumatic head injuries.
The study’s coordinators recommend keeping children under 6 out of bounce houses and only allowing one child in the bounce house at a time, with parental supervision at all times. If more than one child is allowed in the bouncer at the same time, they should be about the same age and size.
In related news, in 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new guidelines discouraging the recreational use of trampolines, citing data showing that trampolines are responsible for 70 injuries per 100,000.
At Cogan & Power, P.C., our Chicago accident and injury lawyers are committed to promoting safety and protecting the rights of accident and injury victims, including those injured by dangerous or defective products. As dedicated Chicago personal injury trial lawyers, we advocate for injured adults, children, and newborns, as well as the family members of deceased victims, throughout Illinois. We are proud to have recovered more than $600 million in settlements and verdicts on behalf of people who have suffered injury or loss because of someone else’s negligence or misconduct.
If your child was injured due to negligence or a dangerous product, do not hesitate to contact our office at (312) 477-2500 to receive a free case evaluation.