Inflatable bounce houses, slides, obstacle courses and games are more popular than ever. Kids and adults alike love them, but insurance companies can be another story (and it isn’t because they like to ruin everyone’s fun).
While inflatables seem innocent, they can still be dangerous. Minor arm, leg, head, and neck injuries are the most common types of injuries, but death and severe injuries can and do happen, for instance:
• In December 2021 in Australia, 6 children died and several more severely injured during a school celebration. The bounce castle they were in was swept up by a gust of wind and the children fell from a distance of approx. 33 feet.
• In December 2007 in Washington, a small child was killed when two adults fell on him & fractured his skull
• In May 2014 in New York, two children were seriously injured when they fell from a bounce house after it was picked up by a gust of wind. One child landed on a parked car and the other on asphalt.
Who is responsible if someone is killed or injured? The question of liability is determined on a case by case basis and is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: where the inflatable was located, who set-it up, if use and safety instructions were followed, rental agreements/contracts, if liability waivers were signed, etc.
Inflatable rental businesses and those that rent them, and even the homeowner that purchases an inflatable for use on their own premises could be sued in the event of a claim. In our litigious society, it is more important than ever to make sure your clients are properly insured.
Erickson-Larsen, Inc. & Bjornson/Sentinel – E&L can help. For applications or additional information, call our offices at 800-442-3168.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information purposes only. The information contained is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal or professional advice, nor does it represent that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy.