Every parent wants to make their child’s birthday, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or other child-related event a big hit that everyone brags about for months. But there are liability issues to consider when hosting a party or event of this magnitude. Rental companies and party planners could be held responsible for negligent behavior leading to child injuries in New York when something goes awry with products that are rented and set up improperly for the event.
New York Personal Injury Lawyer Nicholas Rose knows the hazards that bouncy houses, water activities, rides and other rented equipment can bring to small children who are using them. Maintaining child safety should be the number one priority at parties offering these kinds of activities.
The Associated Press reports about the near tragic event that sent several to the hospital after three bouncy house toys lifted into the air on Long Island.
Gusty winds lifted the houses off the ground at a youth soccer event while children were playing in or near them. Thirteen people were taken to the hospital with injuries. The most serious injury was to a parent who was walking on the path when the 2-story slide part of the house landed on her causing head and spinal cord injuries.
Rideaccidents.com reports about several incidents throughout the country that have injured children and adults in the last couple of months. Inflatable toys have injured over 40 people on 10 separate occasions when high winds or too much weight has caused the inflatable toy to collapse.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission released a report stating that the growing popularity of inflatable toys has caused an increase in the number of child injuries and deaths at parties and events. The most recent data indicates that the 1,300 injuries reported in 1997 grew to almost 4,900 reported injuries in 2004. Inflatable toy manufacturers provide requirements for installing their product which should always be followed by operators in order to maintain a safe play environment.
Our neighboring state of New Jersey requires all operators be trained on all inflatable toys. Other states require only that operators have insurance. Most states have no guidelines in place at all.
Consumers who wish to rent inflatable toys for their event are advised to find a certified and trained rental company or operator. The Safe Inflatable Operators Training Organization (SIOTO) provides information about certified operators that will give you professional and quality service.
An operator setting up for an event should use the following guidelines to make sure the inflatable toy is safely erected:
-Place a tarp on the ground in order to protect the bottom of the unit.
-All units should be staked or weighted down with the use of sandbags or ground weights.
-Ensure there are no rips or holes in the unit once it is inflated.
-No sags should be visible – the unit must be fully inflated before use.
-All operating and safety procedures should be instructed verbally by the operator before they leave. Written instructions must also be left with the party host or event coordinator.
-Before leaving the premise, the operator should ensure that all questions are answered.
If an operator fails to follow through on any of these guidelines, they could be held liable if an injury were to occur. The recent New York incident claims weather to be the contributing factor to the bouncy house flotation. Affordable Inflatable Entertainment of Oceanside maintains the bouncy houses were anchored and set up properly. CBS New York reports the accident is still under investigation.
If you or your child has been injured at a party or event in New York City or the surrounding areas, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC for a free and confidential appointment. Consultation is available 24/7 by calling 212-490-8400 in Manhattan, 718-261-0546 in Queens, or toll free at 1-877-313-7673.
More Blog Entries:
Defective Cribs a Tragic Danger Facing New York Infants, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, February 5, 2011 CPSC Launches New Website to Reduce Risks of Harmful Product Injury in New York and Elsewhere, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, May 27, 2011
