On October 7, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of about 160,000 Bravo Sports Trampolines, sold under the AirZone and Variflex brand names.

 

The top rails and legs of the trampolines, marketed and sold by Bravo Sports of California, have the potential to bend or break during normal use, which could cause the trampolines to partially collapse. The manufacturer received hundreds of reports of rails bending or breaking, as well as reports of resulting injuries.
The hazards of trampolines sold for use by consumers have been known by manufacturers for years. In addition to fall hazards with the potential to cause fractures or paralysis, potential defects include entrapment leading to asphyxiation with resulting brain damage or death. As of 2001, for example, the CPSC reported 91,870 trampoline injuries treated in emergency rooms; a vast majority of these injuries were to children under 15 years of age. Moreover, most injuries occurred at private homes.
Moreover, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) issued a position statement indicating that as of 2003, 211,646 trampoline injuries were sustained by teenagers and young children. Even young children aged 5 to 10 are at risk – the AAOS reported that this age group suffered 102,017 reported trampoline injuries.
Consumers should think twice before purchasing trampolines for home use. Consider the significant risks involved, and make an informed decision before placing such a product in the home environment, especially when children are expected to be at home and in the backyard. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries, please contact the personal injury lawyers at Swartz & Swartz, P.C. for a free consultation.
By James A. Swartz of Swartz & Swartz P.C.Permalink

About the Author: James Swartz
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Mr. Swartz, our Managing and Principal Attorney at Swartz & Swartz P.C., is a nationally recognized and respected trial attorney as well as consumer advocate. His practice focuses on cases involving negligence, torts, products liability, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and other claims involving catastrophic injuries.

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