Trampoline accidents are a major injury source for children. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that trampolines are dangerous and should be avoided, and has repeatedly asked for them to stop being sold in the U.S. Many people will read that and decide not to purchase a trampoline. But some people may want to know more about the risks.
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How many trampoline injuries are there each year?
It is estimated that over 100,000 people are treated in the emergency room each year for trampoline injuries, with 500 of those leading to permanent neurologic damage.
104,691: Estimated number of hospital emergency room-treated injuries associated with trampolines in 2014. [1]
3.85%: Share of all U.S. pediatric fractures caused by trampolines. [2]
0.5%: Trampoline injuries that resulted in permanent neurologic damage (brain injury, spinal cord injury, head injury). [3]
How many trampoline deaths are there each year?
Deaths from trampoline use are more rare, but do happen. On average, there are just over two per year, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission data.
22: Number of deaths from trampoline use in the 10 years between 2000 and 2009. [4]
What causes trampoline injuries and deaths?
There are four main ways that people are injured or killed when using trampolines, according to the CPSC: [5]
Colliding with another person
Landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts
Falling or jumping off the trampoline
Falling on the trampoline springs or frame
75%: Share of trampoline injuries that occur while multiple children were jumping on the trampoline. [6]
27% to 39%: Trampoline injuries caused by falls. [7]
20%: Trampoline injuries caused by direct contact with springs and frame. [8]
Young children are 14 times more likely to get hurt than bigger children. [9]
Table: Most common trampoline injury areas
Percentage of trampoline injuries | Injury area |
|---|---|
36.0% | Lower extremities injuries |
31.8% | Uupper extremities injuries |
14.5% | Head injuries |
9.8% | Trunk injuries |
7.9% | Neck injuries |
Table data: JAMA Pediatrics [10]
Most common trampoline injury types
Percentage of trampoline injuries | Injury type |
|---|---|
51.9% | Soft tissue injuries |
34.6% | Fractures |
11.7% | Lacerations |
Table data: JAMA Pediatrics [11]
Backyard trampoline injuries v. trampoline park injuries
Backyard trampolines lead to more injuries, but trampoline parks often lead to more serious injuries.
66%: Trampoline injuries that occur on home trampolines. [12]
34%: Trampoline injuries that occur in trampoline parks. [13]
44%: Home trampoline injuries resulting in fracture or dislocation. [14]
55%: Trampoline park injuries injuries resulting in fracture or dislocation. [15]
What do homeowners need to know about trampolines and homeowners insurance?
For insurance purposes, trampolines are categorized as an “attractive nuisance,” meaning that they provide a dangerous condition that could attract and endanger children. Pools are also "attractive nuisances."
Coverage for trampolines varies by insurance company. Your company may:
Have no special stipulations about your trampoline
Require enhanced safety measures for your trampoline, like a net
Exclude your trampoline from coverage
Read more about trampolines and homeowners insurance, including why you should consider an umbrella policy if you have a trampoline.
