HOUSTON - A League City trampoline park that was hit with a suit last August alleging a “lack of supervision” resulted in a child’s injury hit back yesterday, arguing that the parents had a duty to supervise.
Maurice Wade and Latoyia Wade, individually and as next friend of "J.W.", filed a complaint on Aug. 14, 2023, in Galveston County District Court against Jumping World League City.
In their filing, the Wades say J.W. was jumping in the basketball area at Jumping World on Aug. 14, 2021, when he landed he badly injured his right leg, requiring surgery. They allege Jumping World failed to follow industry standards and uses dangerous equipment.
“The trampoline bed is visibly curved and there was no direction nor supervision preventing other children from bouncing on the trampoline bed at the same time,” the complaint says. “Both of these factors reduce the effectiveness of the trampoline, and make a landing no different than landing on a concrete floor. Further there was no court attendant present.”
The Wades claim in their filing that Jumping World failed to properly supervise J.W. and did not render aid to him after his injury.
Court records show that on May 28 Jumping World filed a motion for leave to designate the Wades as responsible third parties, arguing that the parents had a duty to supervise and care for their child during their visit to Jumping World.
“Texas law holds that supervising a minor child is statutorily imposed on the child’s parent,” the motion states. “Furthermore, a parent’s right to care, and management of the child is constitutional in nature and considered a precious fundamental liberty interest.”
The Wades say they have lost wages from missing time at work to care for J.W., and that he has incurred and will incur medical expenses as a result of his injuries, as well as mental anguish, pain and suffering. They are asking the court for a judgment in excess of $1,000,000.
The Wades are represented by Brian Beckcom and Brendan Fradkin of VB Attorney in Houston, Texas.
Jumping World is represented by Gordon & Rees.
Case No. 23-CV-1279