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Even though trampoline parks continue to become popular and are now within driving distance of many Americans, there still are no federal standards regarding the industry, according to NBC News Reporter Hallie Jackson on the Today show segment, How Safe Are Trampoline Parks For Your Kids? which aired September 17, 2014.

Dr. Gary Smith of Nationwide Children's Hospital is concerned because there is very little national oversight. Dr. Smith says, "These designs are not safer than a backyard trampoline." Because there is not much hard data, reported Ms. Jackson, Dr. Smith is studying injury rates at trampoline parks.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reported that 98,000 trampoline injuries happen each year. AAP strongly encourages that there be adequate trained, and hopefully in the future, certified, supervision when trampolines are used.

In May the Arizona Daily Star reported that the state had passed a new law which gives the state more authority over trampoline parks. This law went into effect in late July, The parks are required to register annually with the state, show proof of liability insurance, certify that they have been inspected by an insurance company, log emergency calls to the park and notify jumpers about the risk of injury.  The Arizona Department of Fire, Building and Life Safety can close a park not meeting the requirements. This legislation is called "Ty's Law".  It is named for a 30-year old who died in 2012 after breaking his neck in five places while at a trampoline park.

"Trampoline park owners have the same responsibility to maintain a safe environment for their customers as any other business owner," says Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. "Many trampoline parks require customers to sign liability disclosures before they are allowed to use the facilities.  Even with signed disclosures, should a child or an adult be injured as the result of a trampoline park accident, it is important to contact an experienced attorney."

The safe environment responsibility includes:

• Making sure the equipment is maintained by establishing inspection schedules and performing regular maintenance.
• Remedying any situations which cause harm to customers.
• Training personnel on how to identify problems and what to do once the problem(s) is/are identified.
• Insuring that customers know how to use the equipment.
• Posting warning signs where needed.  Making sure the posted signs are in languages the customers will understand.
• Supervising customer's use of equipment.

Trampoline parks may be fun.  However, they may not be safe. For more on this subject, see our blog "Trampolines - Fun or Dangerous?"  posted in June 2013.

Fort Myers Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.