The story is familiar, yet always unique. It's the tale of a teenager bouncing happily on a trampoline, only to land in an agonizing pain that changes life forever.
The story has recently come from Tennessee, where 16-year-old David Anderson III sprang from a trampoline into a swimming pool at a friend's house. As happens far too often, he landed badly and is now partially paralyzed after damaging two vertebrae.
Anderson has successfully undergone surgery and is now in rehabilitation as he tries to regain some of the athleticism he possessed before his accident.
A doctor in Anderson's suburban Chattanooga town told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that he saw six spinal injuries as a result of diving mishaps this past summer alone.
"Dramatic Increase in Serious Injuries"
The Foundation for Spinal Cord Injury Prevention, Care & Cure says the growth in popularity of trampolines has resulted in "a dramatic increase in serious injuries," including:
- Neck fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head trauma and traumatic brain injury
There have also been reported fatalities, the organization says on its Website. The FSCIPCC says approximately 250,000 injuries sustained in trampoline use are reported each year to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Never for Home Use
Because of the danger of trampolines, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that trampolines never be used at homes, outdoor playgrounds or even in "routine physical education classes." The risk of injury is simply too great, the group insists.
In its policy statement on trampoline use, the AAP breaks down injuries sustained in trampoline use:
- 40 percent of all trampoline injuries are sprains/strains
- 30 percent of trampoline injuries are fractures
- 13 percent are contusions or abrasions
- 11 percent are lacerations
- 6 percent other
The group says neck and head injuries account for 9.8 percent of all trampoline-related injuries.
Devastating Injuries
Injuries to the neck and head can be devastating, sometimes with lifelong repercussions, including paralysis, debilitating pain or reduced mobility.
If your child has been injured in a trampoline accident that could have been prevented with proper supervision, restrictions or safety measures, contact a North Carolina personal injury attorney to discuss your case.
