Bouncy houses are a hit at children’s birthday parties, carnivals and other festivals, and are associated with fun and good times rather than injury. Nevertheless, injuries do occur in inflatable structures quite often, leaving parents of accident victims wondering how they can prove an operator was negligent.

Bouncy House Rental Companies

There are a number of rental companies that provide inflatable structures for people to use at birthday parties and other get-togethers. Those who rent this equipment do so believing that it will be safe for them to use. That’s not always the case, as the equipment is not always inspected or properly maintained before it is sent out again. As a result, children may become injured whenever:

• An inflatable structure collapses
• Foreign objects are imbedded in the bouncy house
• Punctures or tears cause children to fall

Whenever a child is injured inside rental equipment, parents should ask to see documentation that it was properly inspected beforehand. They should also review any written instructions that were given to see if the proper safety precautions were included. If either of these areas were lacking, this could be enough to prove negligence in a court of law.

Public Bouncy Houses

When bouncy houses are open to the public, those who operate them are obligated to see that they are safe for children to use. This means:

• Ensuring inflatables are properly set up
• Providing adequate supervision for children while jumping
• Enforcing safety standards
• Stopping play whenever an infraction of the rules occurs
• Preventing children under age 6 from bouncing
• Keeping older and younger children separated
• Limiting the load inside a structure

When an injury occurs, it can be helpful to gather as much information about the incident as possible. This can include taking pictures of the facility and gathering the names of witnesses. It is important to do this right away, as some of this evidence may be impossible to get later. Parents should write down what happened in their own words, as they could need this information later when filing a claim.

Filing a Claim

A claim for damages should be filed as soon as possible after an incident. When doing so, it can be helpful to refer to the written account in order to ensure the claim form is complete. If damages are not paid in a timely manner, the evidence that has already been gathered can then be taken to an attorney, who can then make an assessment of the case for legal purposes.

Getting Legal Help

The best way to file a claim is to hire a skilled personal injury attorney who understands the U.S. legal system. Schedule your free case evaluation today by calling 713.973.1300.

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