Slide, Bounce House and Waterslide Injuries in Texas

Slides should be fun, but injuries on bounce houses, waterslides, playground slides and amusement rides can be serious, and children are often the ones hurt. Common injuries include broken arms and legs, head and neck injuries, and drowning or near-drowning on water attractions.

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Who May Be Responsible

The owner or operator of a water park, amusement park, party rental company, event venue, apartment complex or business
The rental company that set up an inflatable bounce house or slide, for example without proper anchoring or in high winds
The manufacturer of a defective slide, inflatable or part (products liability, Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 82)
A school, daycare or camp responsible for supervision
A government entity that owns a public pool or park, subject to the special rules and short notice deadlines of the Texas Tort Claims Act

Texas Amusement Ride Rules

Texas regulates amusement rides through the Texas Department of Insurance. Operators of covered rides must have them inspected at least once a year and carry required insurance (Texas Occupations Code §2151.101). Mechanically inflated attractions such as many bounce houses can be covered, while ordinary playground slides and small vinyl waterslides are excluded from the definition (§2151.002). Whether a ride was inspected and insured can be important evidence.

What to Do After a Slide Injury

Get medical care right away.
Report the incident to the operator and ask for a copy of the incident report.
Take photos and video of the slide or inflatable, the setup, anchoring and the area.
Write down names of staff and witnesses.
Keep tickets, receipts, wristbands and any waiver you signed.
Talk to an attorney before giving a statement to the operator’s insurer.

What About Waivers?

Many parks and rental companies ask parents to sign waivers. A waiver does not always end a claim, especially for gross negligence or for injuries to a child, and Texas courts look closely at how a waiver is written. Have an attorney review any waiver you signed.

Slide Injury FAQ

How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?

Usually two years from the date of the injury (Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003). For an injured child, the two years generally do not begin to run until the child turns 18 (§16.001), but evidence should be preserved right away. Claims against government entities require written notice much sooner.

Who pays for my child’s medical bills?

Health insurance usually pays first. A claim against the responsible party can seek reimbursement of medical expenses and other damages, and any settlement for a minor typically requires court approval.

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