When I was around seven years old, I spent a lot of time at a friend's house after school. One of the big attractions was the backyard trampoline. I didn't think twice about whether it was safe—I just looked forward to jumping on it.

But one day, while we were mid-jump, I heard a loud “pop” and saw something fly past my leg. A rusted metal coil had snapped off. It missed me by inches. If it had struck my face, eye, or even my leg, I could have been seriously hurt. That trampoline was old and falling apart. But at that age, I had no idea what to look out for—and no reason to think I should.

Property owners may be liable for unsafe equipment.

Children can't be expected to recognize unsafe conditions. When an old, poorly maintained trampoline injures a child, the responsibility may fall on the property owner or controller—especially if they knew or should have known the trampoline posed a danger.

In Alabama, homeowners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for guests, particularly when children are involved. If that duty is breached, and someone is hurt, a premises liability claim may be possible. Sometimes, the homeowner's insurance may cover the injury and related losses.

Trampoline defects may cause some injuries.

It's also possible for a trampoline injury to occur even when the equipment appears new or well-maintained. Defects in design, manufacturing, or warnings can contribute to serious accidents. If a product defect played a role in the injury, the manufacturer or distributor might bear responsibility under product liability law.

Common examples include:

• Broken or poorly secured springs

• Frames that collapse under everyday use

• Missing safety warnings and instructions

Know your options after a trampoline injury.

Every injury situation is different. Legal options may be available, whether it involves a dangerous condition on private property or a defective product, but they depend on the facts.

If a trampoline or other play equipment has injured you or your child and you're unsure what steps to take, you can contact Hobbs Law, LLC in Birmingham, Alabama. I offer free initial consultations to discuss the situation and determine whether it's something I can assist with.

Call 205-683-2892 to schedule a consultation. There's no obligation, and all inquiries are confidential.