Inflatable waterslides seem like fun. But if you or your child has been injured on one, you may be wondering if you can pursue a claim for compensation for the injury suffered. When it comes to inflatables such as bounce houses, water and dry slides, ball pits, etc., there are numerous ways a person can get injured. Many times, these injuries are at fault of the injured party but can be the fault of others such as the inflatable owner, the inflatable rental company, the premises owner hosting the inflatable, the inflatable manufacturer, etc. Sammons Injury Law has handled numerous inflatable injury cases resulting in severe injuries to our clients such as broken bones, torn ligaments, lacerations and more resulting from a variety of incidents with inflatables such as slip and falls, deflation incidents, tipping incidents, and more.
Believe it or not, there are standards when it comes to inflatables that, if not complied with, could determine that another party is responsible for your injury. Some of those standards are published by The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The ASTM F2374 is the primary standard for inflatable amusement devices, covering their design, manufacture, operation, and maintenance. It includes requirements for safety nets, anchoring systems and proper inflation/deflation procedures. Additionally, ASTM F2729 is a consumer safety specification for constant air inflatable play devices for home use. The standards set forward by the ASTM are developed by industry professionals, and many states have incorporated all or some of the standards into state law.
There are several ways companies are supposed to reduce risk for their inflatable waterslide users:
- Proper anchoring (ASTM standards)
- Following proper manufacturing guidelines
- Proper maintenance and storage
- Regular inspections and safety checks
- Post-assembly inspections
It is also essential that the homeowner or event organizer reduce risks as well. Ensuring proper levels of water for safe usage, supervising guests to ensure proper usage protocol, and enforcing age and weight restrictions can all reduce the risk of injury on an inflatable waterslide. If some or all of these guidelines have not been followed, there is a good chance someone else could be held liable for you or your child’s injuries.
If you have been injured on an inflatable waterslide, it is essential that you seek medical attention immediately. It is also important to document the scene, including photographing the inflatable waterslide from all angles, and gathering all information which may be necessary for the prosecution of your injury claim such as the inflatable rental company’s information, the premises owner’s information, including homeowner’s insurance info, and any other information which may be relevant to your claim. No matter what, you should contact Sammons Injury Law as soon as possible so we can assist you in the prosecution of your inflatable injury case. Call us today at (813) 565-1000.