Bounce house injuries send kids to the emergency room far more often than parents like you may realize. According to Nationwide Children’s, bounce houses and other inflatables injure an average of more than 30 children a day. Determining who is responsible for your child’s injury may be difficult, but not impossible.
As holiday festivities begin, you should know what to do if a fun romp in a bounce house goes wrong.
How Bounce House Injuries Happen
Bounce houses and other inflatables are fun for children of all ages. But they aren’t without their risks. A 2022 CHOC-led study discovered that pediatric bounce house injuries have increased since 2000. These are the most common reasons for a bounce house injury:
- Kids colliding or landing on each other
- Falls onto hard ground near the exit
- Flips and rough play gone wrong
- Too many kids inside at once
- A blower failure that makes the unit deflate
The Consumer Product Safety Commission enforces rules for bounce house manufacturing. However, federal law doesn’t control how they’re set up or run. That job falls to the rental company… And not all of them do it correctly.
Determining Liability for a Bounce House Injury Lawsuit
More than one party could be responsible for your child’s bounce house injury. Many inflatable injury cases fall under premises liability. Others involve product liability and cover dangerous or defective products. To determine who is responsible, you and your attorney must consider all possible options.
The Rental or Operator Company
They may have set up the unit incorrectly, left it up in the wind, skipped safety rules, or used old equipment.
The Property Owner or Host
A homeowner or venue can be liable for letting kids overcrowd the unit or failing to watch them.
The Manufacturer
If a design flaw or weak seam caused the unit to fail, the company that made it may owe you.
You can’t determine inflatable rental liability alone. The best thing you can do is to meet with a personal injury attorney.
Understanding Waivers in a Bounce House Accident Lawsuit
Most rental companies make parents sign a waiver before their child enters the bounce house. Typically, the waiver states that the company can’t be held responsible for any injuries. But that doesn’t always work, especially when considering the rights of a minor or gross negligence.
A Child’s Rights
Courts in many states are careful about waivers that give up a child’s right to sue. A parent’s signature does not always block a claim brought for the child. So even if you signed something, your family may still have a case.
Gross Negligence
A waiver also will not protect a company that acted with gross negligence. Leaving a bounce house up during a wind warning is a good example. If a rental company ignored an obvious danger, a waiver rarely saves them.
Never assume a signed waiver ends your options. These forms have real limits, especially when a child is hurt or the company was careless.
What You Should Do If Your Child is Hurt
After your child is hurt, you’re overwhelmed and confused. But a few steps can protect your child’s health and your family’s rights.
- Get your child medical care, even if they “look” fine
- Take photos of the bounce house, the setup, and the weather
- Record the rental company’s name and the operator’s information
- Collect witnesses’ information
- Keep the waiver, the receipt, and any safety rules the company gave you.
Deadlines for Children
Alabama adults usually have two years to file under Ala. Code § 6-2-38. But that deadline may be different for a minor. Our guide on what to know before you hire an Alabama accident attorney can help you begin.
Common Questions About Bounce House Injuries
Can I file a bounce house injury lawsuit?
Yes, you may be able to file a bounce house injury lawsuit if someone’s carelessness hurt your child. You could have a claim against the rental company, the party host, or the maker of a defective unit. An attorney can review what happened and tell you who may be responsible.
Who is liable for a bounce house injury?
Several parties can be liable for a bounce house injury. For example, the rental company may be at fault for bad setup, poor anchoring, or leaving the unit up in the wind. Or, the manufacturer may owe you, especially if a defect caused the injury.
Are bounce houses dangerous?
Yes, bounce houses can be dangerous, especially for children. Common injuries include broken bones, sprains, and concussions. Wind is one of the deadliest hazards because it can lift an inflatable into the air with kids inside.
Does a waiver stop a bounce house injury lawsuit?
No, a waiver may not stop a bounce house injury lawsuit, especially if a child is hurt. In many states, courts are reluctant to enforce a waiver that gives up a child’s right to sue. Also, a waiver won’t protect a company that acted with gross negligence. The best thing you can do is to meet with an attorney.
What causes most bounce house injuries?
Falls, collisions, and rough play often cause bounce house injuries. Overcrowding and poor supervision make these worse. Equipment problems, such as a blower failure that deflates the unit, also cause injuries.
Trust Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Today
This holiday season, your child’s fun day shouldn’t end with a trip to the emergency room. When a careless rental company hurts your child, you deserve answers and accountability. We investigate what went wrong and fight to make it right. Schedule a free case review today.
Reviewed by Alexander Shunnarah, Attorney and Chief Executive Officer at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, on 2026-09-23.
