A Most Dangerous Game: Trampoline Dodgeball

NASHVILLE (CN) - A mother sued a Nashville trampoline park for injuries her son suffered playing "trampoline dodgeball" at the park.

Crystal Blackwell sued Sky High Sports Nashville LLC in Davidson County Court, individually and on behalf of her minor son Jacob for a March 2013 incident.

Jacob was playing trampoline dodgeball when he landed awkwardly leg-first on padding between trampolines while trying to dodge a ball.

"When he landed, he was 'double bounced' by another player," the complaint states. "The rules of the facility specifically state 'double bouncing' is prohibited. However, upon information and belief, this occurs on a regular basis and was occurring at the time plaintiff was injured."

Double bouncing involves a player timing a stomp to coincide with another player's landing; the resulting rebound exerts more upward forced on the second payer than he could exert alone.

The padding between trampolines "was inadequate to protect customers like Jacob," his mom says. Jacob broke his leg and tore a knee tendon landing on the padding awkwardly.

His mom claims the park should not have allowed minors to play a dangerous game like trampoline dodgeball at all.

"Not only did defendant Sky High Sports Nashville allow a minor to participate in the unreasonably dangerous activity of playing dodgeball on a trampoline, they encouraged it, advertising 'trampoline dodgeball' as a means to attract minors into their facility," the complaint states.

Sky High Sports operates recreational trampoline parks around the country.

Blackwell seeks $500,000 for injuries and medical bills. She represented by David Weissman with Hollins, Raybin & Weissman.

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