Michigan Trampoline Laws & Liability

During the spring and summer months, a backyard trampoline can seem like a fun backyard addition for kids and even adults. But it’s very important to make sure that anyone using the trampoline does so safely. It’s extremely easy for people to get injured while playing on a trampoline. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there were over one million emergency room visits between 2002 and 2012 because of trampoline injuries, the majority of which involved children under the age of 17. Here’s what Michigan’s trampoline statute says about safely using a trampoline in a trampoline park:

M.C.L.A. 691.1735

691.1735. Duties of trampoliner 

Sec. 5. While in a trampoline court, a trampoliner shall do all of the following:

(a) Maintain reasonable control of his or her speed and course at all times.

(b) Read and follow all posted signs and warnings.

(c) Avoid bodily contact with other trampoliners or spectators.

(d) Not run on trampolines, over pads, or on platforms.

(e) Refrain from acting in a manner that may cause injury to others.

(f) Not participate in a trampoline court when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

(g) Properly use all trampoline court safety equipment provided.

(h) Not participate in a trampoline court if he or she has a preexisting medical condition, a bone condition, a circulatory condition, a heart or lung condition, a back or neck condition, high blood pressure, or a history of spine, musculoskeletal, or head injury, if he or she has had recent surgery, or if she may be pregnant.

(i) Remove inappropriate attire, including hard, sharp, or dangerous objects, such as buckles, pens, purses, or badges.

(j) Conform with or meet height, weight, or age restrictions imposed by the operator to use or participate in the trampoline court activity.

(k) Avoid crowding or overloading individual sections of the trampoline court.

(l) Use the trampoline court within his or her own limitations, training, and acquired skills.

(m) Avoid landing on the head or neck. Serious injury, paralysis, or death can occur from that activity.

It’s a very readable statute: act reasonably when you’re on a trampoline. Even though this statute applies to trampoline courts, the rules are very good for backyard trampolines as well. Having dealt with Michigan trampoline accident cases before, our firm would like to reinforce that you should exercise the utmost care while jumping. Never jump under the influence and always be respectful of others.

Avoiding an Attractive Nuisance

If you have a trampoline in your backyard, it’s important to be aware of the concept of an attractive nuisance. Generally speaking, if someone gets injured while trespassing on your property, you wouldn’t be liable for their injuries. But there is a different standard when children are involved and trampolines are just one thing that can be considered an attractive nuisance. Kids love them and, if they’re too young, might not know to ask for permission or understand how dangerous they can be. Therefore, it’s important to use extra caution to be sure that neighborhood kids are not using your trampoline without your permission.

If you often allow people to jump on your backyard trampoline, no matter how old they are, have you ever thought about having jumpers sign a liability release waiver? It’s not a bad idea and could save you from a costly trampoline injury lawsuit.

Goodwin & Scieszka is a Birmingham, Michigan personal injury firm has been handling these types of claims for over 27 years. If you’ve been injured via auto accident, dog bite, medical malpractice, defective project or any other type of personal injury, contact us today.