Your Child's Trampoline Injury: What To Do

Imagine the all too common scenario: your child is playing on a neighbor's trampoline and ends up getting injured. Over 100,000 trampoline accidents land injured parties in the hospital every year in the US alone, so it's not an uncommon occurrence to worry about. If your child gets hurt on a neighbor's trampoline, who is liable for the accident? Can you use homeowner's insurance to pay for medical and other expenses? What do you do if the neighbor refuses to take responsibility for the accident? Delve into these questions and explore how an attorney can help you navigate through this challenging situation.

Who Is Liable?

When it comes to determining liability for your child's trampoline injury, it is essential to consider the circumstances surrounding the accident, such as how your child got injured and whether the trampoline had a protective netting or other precautionary add-ons to make it safer. In general, homeowners may be held responsible for injuries that occur on their property, including those sustained on a trampoline. A homeowner can even be held responsible under premises liability laws if they are unaware neighboring children are using their trampoline. However, proving liability can be complex, especially if there are conflicting accounts of what happened. This is where legal expertise can make a significant difference in your case.

Does Homeowner's Insurance Cover the Injury?

If your child has been injured on a neighbor's trampoline, you may be able to seek compensation through their homeowner's insurance policy, especially if the homeowner's insurance already covers the trampoline (which it should). Homeowner's insurance typically includes coverage for personal liability, which may extend to injuries sustained by guests on their property. It is essential to review the details of the policy and consult with an attorney to understand your options for seeking compensation.

What if Your Neighbor Refuses to Pay?

In some cases, a neighbor may refuse to acknowledge their responsibility for your child's trampoline injury or may be unwilling to cover the associated expenses. When faced with such a situation, it is crucial to seek legal guidance promptly. A personal injury attorney can assist you in negotiating with the neighbor or their insurance company and pursuing legal action if necessary. Never admit fault in your child's trampoline accident and try to keep all communication with your neighbor about said accident friendly or casual, and via text or email where conversation can be easier to track for evidence purposes.

Should You Hire An Attorney?

An experienced attorney can play a vital role in helping you form and win a case related to your child's trampoline injury. They can gather evidence, assess liability, and advocate on your behalf to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. Additionally, an attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the proceedings.

What Determines Compensation?

When it comes to determining what monetary compensation should be awarded for your child's trampoline injury, various factors come into play. These may include medical expenses incurred as a result of the injury, ongoing treatment needs, pain and suffering experienced by your child, and any long-term effects of the accident. An attorney can work with you to evaluate these factors thoroughly and pursue appropriate compensation on your behalf.

Navigating through a situation where your child has been injured on a neighbor's trampoline can be challenging. Understanding liability, seeking compensation through homeowner's insurance, dealing with uncooperative neighbors, and determining appropriate monetary compensation all require careful consideration and legal expertise. By consulting with an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases, you can ensure that your rights are protected and pursue justice for your child's injuries. Remember that you do not have to face this difficult situation alone — seek professional guidance to help you navigate through these complex legal matters effectively. Call Smith Morgan LLP today.