This is good to know.. I was at Sam's Club and wanted to get one for my daughter.  I am going to skip that idea.  My thoughts and prayers go out to your friend.  May God Bless him and his family. 

Laura: I know that we will not be purchasing one for our kids when they start asking for one.  They just seem so fun, and they can be, but there's always that risk of something awful happening.  And thank you for your prayers.  One can never have too many,

I have no desire to diminish the tragedy you have related in your blog.  However, I must protest the categorization that Trampolines are dangerous.

Trampolines are inanimate objects.  They are not dangerous.  They are designed to be used a certain way, and if the "responsible adults" who purchase one for their children and their friends to use actually read and take the warnings and directions for safe use seriously, they can be a great source of entertainment and exercise for kids.

Really, if the fellow who is now paralyzed had been realistic about his limitations he would not have ended up in this situation.  Did he have any tumbling, gymnastics or martial arts training that gave him reason to believe he could do a flip safely?  Or did he just get overzealous with the tampoline and make a bad decision?

All too often we (Americans) fail to recognize our role and responsibilities in our own lives and the lives of those around us (Litigation is much too easy).  We need to accept responsibility for our decisions.  Whether that means the decision to not read the user instructions, or to not follow them if we did read them, we are the decisionmakers, not the trampoline.

I hope I have not offended you but I disagree with your position that Trampolines are dangerous.  If they are misused, great harm can occur.  Same thing can happen if a car is misused, if powertools are misused, if prescription medications are misused, etc...

William: I understand what you're saying.  But if your stance is that they are not dangerous, then you must be saying that they are safe.  Trampolines are inanimate objects, but these inanimate objects are not what I would classify as "safe".  If there is any chance that one can become so severely injured on it, the only way I can describe it is dangerous.

I personally don't know the gentleman referred to in my post, so I have no idea what kind of "flip" training he may or may not have.  I don't really think that's the issue.  I do agree that if you don't know how to do a flip, you definitely should not decide that a trampoline is the best place to learn.  But if you do know how, your timing could be off and you could potentially end up in the same predicament.

If we were to get into a discussion about things being referred to as safe or dangerous in regards to whether or not people used them in the manor they were intended, then I don't think anything could be avoided.  Forks are meant to be used to eat with, but are sharp and could hurt someone.  Flashlights are meant to be used to help you see in dark places, but some can be used as weapons.  The list goes on and on.  I don't think that trampolines were designed to not be flipped on, so I really don't see this as a case of misuse.

I do believe that he may have tried to do something that he wasn't able to do very well, and the repercussions were huge.  But if I were to ask his wife if she would allow her kids on that trampoline again, I can put money on what she would say.  In her eyes, and in mine, trampolines are dangerous.

Jim/Maria, I understand your position and am comfortable that we can agree to disagree.

William: I can agree with that :)

I have 6 kids and 2 step kids. We have bicycles, a pool, skateboards, swings, had a trampoline till it wore out, skates, go-karts, 4 wheelers, etc. They are ALL dangerous. Don't kid yourself. None of them are really any less dangerous than the other....trampolines are just getting more press. I would like to see a serious report on the statistics of accidents related to all child related "toys" that I mentioned. I would bet my next commission check that there are FAR more accidents on bicycles than any other, far more pool related deaths, far more atv related serious injuries than on trampolines. The worst injury in my family to date was when my daughter was in a coma for a week from a cat scratch that was less than a 1/4 inch long on her leg. My most serious injury in my childhood was on a swingset when I flew off and hit a tree with my face, breaking my nose and cutting my lip all the way to my nose and required over 10 stitches. You will have accidents. Just try to think smart and be safe on these "toys".

My thoughts and prayers go out to that family. This is a tough one. We have a trampoline - has the safety net and padding. My kids are not allowed to do flips, etc. We have waaaaayyy too much insurance coverage for it and make each and every parent of a child that comes over aware of the dangers and have them sign a waiver and permission form. I sill worry every day about it and go back & forth on whether or not we should have one. (got it for free from a friend who's kids went off to college). Most often, I don't allow other children on it even with the waiver. Thanks for the reminder and for stirring up this most interesting dialogue. I'm sure I'll be giving it more thought after reading your post.

Cheri': You're right, there are far more dangerous things than trampolines, but I don't think that negates their danger.  Accidents will happen, and we do need to be smart around "toys" like you described to try to avoid as many accidents as possible.

Chrissy: You are doing everything I could possibly think of to keep yourself protected and your kids safe.  It's pretty smart of you to get the parents to sign a waiver.  If we had one, I'm sure that I would worry just as much as you currently do. 

I really didn't expect this much of a debate when I posted this, but I can see the other side of the argument.  I just know that if one of my friends or loved ones were injured like this man was from playing on a trampoline, the other side of the debate wouldn't matter one bit to me.

Trampolines can be dangerous, just as can pencils, jump ropes, etc. Anything can become dangerous depending on the action that's taken with it...I've bled tremendously from a severe papercut. The point is to be as careful as possible, although not all accidents can be completely prevented.

Danielle: The more aware we are of danger, the more cautious we generally become.  The whole point was to raise awareness.  When you hear of something like this happening, doesn't it make you think?  Doesn't it make you a little more aware of your own actions?  That's what I find true in my own life.

I used to love them when I was a kid...great exercise but I almost broke my neck on one..be careful!

Neal: I have to agree that they are fun and can really get your heart pumping.  But you do have to be careful :)

There are so many insurance companies that will cancel your insurance if they find out you have an trampoline, for this exact reason.

Todd: You're right.  I'm sure there are plenty of people who fail to inform their insurance company about their trampoline because they don't think they'll be insured.  It is quite expensive.

Jim & Maria - I have been afraid of trampolines for a long time now.  I did go on them when I was younger, but now that I am a parent, I absolutely despise them.  In fact, my son knows that he is not allowed to go on one even if we're at a home where other kids are using it.  I went so far as to buying him a little gift to show my appreciation for not giving us a hard time about joining the other kids.  He is not an adventuresome kid by nature, but the kids on the trampoline were very aggressive.  Stories like the one you shared are heartbreaking, and just shows how fast life can change with just one mistake.

Adam: This story just justifies what you're afraid would happen on a trampoline.  And it does just break my heart for the family.  But you seem to have a great relationship with your son in regards to staying safe.  That's awesome.

I hope your friend is recovering well and there's hope that he will overcome his paralysis.  This is a heartbreaking story and I can only imagine how is poor children must feel.  Let us know how he's doing.

My kids had them when they were young and we were VERY lucky that nobody was injured, but I have to agree, they are extremely dangerous!

I can only imagine what that family is going through.  You just never know when something like that is going to happen.  Trampolines ARE dangerous and you never REALLY realize it until someone gets injured.  My7 condolences to the family. 

Donna: There is hope that he will not be permanently paralyzed.  Time will be the judge. 

Barbara-Jo: They can be dangerous, but if you're careful on it and know your limits and what you're doing, then then can be fun, too.  You are blessed to not have had any injuries.  Not very many can say that.

Nicolette: I feel the same way.  It's so easy to get carried away in the thrill of the moment on a trampoline.  It's no big deal until someone gets hurt -- isn't that what our moms used to say?

Yup...It's not something that we can just disregard anymore.  It's better to be safe than sorry...

Absolutely, Nicolette.  That's a terrific policy to have.

Bright: I'm surprised that insurance companies won't let you have them there in Florida.  I know that they can make your homeowner's insurance sky-rocket, but I wasn't aware of not being insured if you had one.  I personally think it's a great policy, but then again I would never get one.

My personal opionion of trampolines is that they are basically safe if you dont try anything stupid. people say you can fall off of them. That is true unless you have a large trampoline with a net which would make it much safer. Also as many others have said just follow the safety instructions and you will be fine. 

I have had a trampoline for Four years and have never had any type of injury. I disobey every rule. I do flips, we dont have a safety net, and we have much more than one person on at a time. I have friends who are the same way and never have had any troubles. Ever since i got a trampoline my physical fitness has improved a incredible amount. In one summer my one mile run time went from 10:30 to 7:30 with nothing but jumping on a trampoline just about every day. I would suggest getting a Jumpsport trampoline because of there long springs which give a soft and responsive bounce. I have the 14ft staged bounce. For safety make sure a trampoline has  long springs so they sink down more. I have landed on my head with my trampoline and had nothing but a small amount of pain.  

What a horrible thing for the family to have to go through.  Glad to hear he can move a little and will hopefully regain use of his extremities. 

That being said, I still think trampolines are fun, but not everyone is coordinated enough to use them.  The rules about how many kids/adults can be on them at one time should be strictly followed. 

The kids in our neighborhood almost all have trampolines in their yard and their favorite game is "crack the nut".  (My son is not allowed to play that game because it is dangerous!)  You have one kid/adult jump in the middle while everyone else is holding themselves in a tight ball.  The first one to come undone (crack) loses.  I've seen many self-inflicted bloody noses and human "balls" bounce right of the trampoline onto whatever is surrounding the trampoline.... (rocks, plant pots, someone even started rolling down the gulley!)

When it's one at a time with people working within their coordination level, it's a great time and good exercise! Reminders to be careful are always good.

Hi Josh.  Since I've never owned one, I'm not personally familiar with how great they are to exercise on, but I have heard that they are.  Seems like you've had terrific results.

Sandra: What a scary game!  I'm sure that the kids just crack up laughing every time they play it, but I just see ER visits in many of their futures!

When we think of "chain saws" or "table saws"?  What comes to mind?  Certainly not young children, and tons of fun.  We think of the safety glasses, the rotary speed capable to removing fingers, arms - or potentially leaving fragments of materials in our eyes.  Before November 3, 2007, I thought of trampolines as something fun, something to play on, something to enjoy.  I am an athlete with years using both a trampoine and many types of diving.  It never crossed my mind as said above something could go terribly wrong.  Well, it did. I broke my survical spinal column between C4-5, and C5-6.  $84,000 dollars later in initial bills the insurance company demined the claim.  In you have American Family Insurance - well, might want to see just how well they treat you.  Because, in my experience your policy isn't worth the paper its written on.

Hi TJ.  Thank you for sharing your experience.  It's horrible that you essentially broke your back.  I sincerely hope that you are on the mend and that things are looking up for you.  You are in my prayers, my friend.

I can't agree with you more Maria.  We will never own one.  My sister in law bought one for her kids.  There were kids jumping on it even without the lining that covers the springs.  I had to walk away from the sight I was so scared.

We have had several home, and every time we move we buy a new trampoline.  We just moved again and my husband was ready to get another one.  We love them because it keeps the kids busy for hours and they are outside (which is hard to get kids to do these days.  I will have to rethink the trampoline thing now, after reading your blog. Thanks...

Tracy: I would have had to walk away, too.  Having no lining on the springs just seems irresponsible on the parents part, in my opinion.

Jess: I'm sure that it will be difficult to talk your husband and kids out of their trampoline, so please just be very careful on it!

We had a trampoline for years and never once did we let our guard down.  I was paranoid the entire time and actually was glad when it was time to get rid of it!  Insurance companies don't like them and most of the attorneys I spoke to said that even with a waiver signed by neighborhood parents, if something happens, you are still liable.

Sandra: I've also heard that a waiver really wouldn't mean much if someone got hurt on your trampoline.  And insurance companies have been known to either jack a rate up or deny coverage if there is a trampoline on the property.  I've said it before, but we will never own one.

i didn't realize it till i got older too.

Justin: With age comes wisdom, right? :)