Birthday parties for children often involve bounce houses and other forms of inflatables, such as slides, boxing/wrestling rings, and even obstacle courses. Although inflatables provide plenty of fun, many children throughout the country have suffered injuries while playing in them.
According to a study from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the number of injuries involving inflatables increased by 1,500 percent between 1995 and 2010 in the United States. In 2010 alone, an average of 31 children each day were sent to emergency departments because of inflatable-related injuries.
The most common injuries caused by bounce houses and inflatables include:
- Arm injuries
- Leg injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Sprains and strains
If you are thinking about renting an inflatable for a party or activity at your home, our legal team at Erskine & McMahon, LLP need to caution you that if one of your guests is injured playing on an inflatable on your property, your homeowner's insurance policy will not pay for the damages suffered by your guest.
So, what do you do?
You should make sure the folks you rent the inflatable from have adequate liability insurance. By law an inflatable is classified as an amusement ride, and the people who you rent the inflatables from are required to carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance.
When it comes to your homeowner’s insurance policy, you may be able to purchase “special events coverage” to cover your child’s birthday party. While this type of coverage could be costly, they are significantly less the medical bills and legal expenses from a personal injury case.
For your sake, please make sure they have it or don't rent from them. Be Safe — Not Sorry.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous or defective inflatable in Longview, TX, contact us today at (903) 500-2490 for a consultation. Let a legal team with more than 100 years of combined experience protect your rights and best interests.