News Summary
A Knoxville family is taking legal action after their daughter was hospitalized due to a traumatic incident at a bounce house. During the Powell Station Celebration, the unmonitored inflatable proved dangerously chaotic, leading to severe injuries for the 7-year-old. The Parkers claim negligence against the event organizers and are seeking substantial damages, highlighting the urgent need for safety measures at children’s events.
Parents Take Legal Action After Daughter’s Traumatic Bounce House Incident in Knoxville
In a shocking turn of events, a family in Knoxville is facing the fallout of a horrific incident that took place just a few months ago during the Powell Station Celebration. Parents Eric and Kristyn Parker are stepping forward with a lawsuit against the Powell Business and Professional Association and Party Bounce House Rentals of Knoxville, claiming that gross negligence led to their daughter’s hospitalization.
The Incident Unfolds
The celebration was meant to be a fun-filled family event at Powell Station Park in August 2024, yet it quickly turned into a nightmare. The focal point of the festivities was a foam-filled bounce house that, alarmingly, was left unsupervised and without adult oversight. Just minutes after their daughter entered, Eric Parker was startled to hear her screams of distress echoing from within.
Without a moment’s hesitation, he jumped into action. As he entered the bounce house, he was confronted with foam so thick that it reached up to his chest. This chaotic scene was filled with muffled cries from children struggling amid the foam. Eric navigated through the thick barrier, desperately trying to help several frightened kids. His heart raced as he searched for his daughter.
In a terrifying moment, Eric found his 7-year-old daughter unresponsive among the foam. With sheer determination, he pulled her to safety and immediately began the process of getting her the help she needed.
Medical Emergency
Following this traumatic rescue, the child was rushed to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. CPR had already been administered by bystanders before help arrived, and fortunately, she regained consciousness. However, her journey didn’t end there; she was later transferred to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital for further care.
Emergency Medical Technicians detected that the child had sustained numerous injuries. Her face and head showed signs of being trampled during the chaotic event, raising serious concerns about the lack of safety measures in place. Documentation from the EMTs revealed that the foam was so deep that children could easily get trapped within it, leading to panic and injury.
The Lawsuit’s Claims
The Parker family’s lawsuit highlights several alarming issues, including claims of negligence regarding the bounce house’s operation. The child has reportedly faced ongoing struggles since the incident, including painful reactions to foam chemicals and persistent vomiting after swallowing the substance.
In their legal action, the Parkers are asking for a jury trial, as well as *compensatory damages yet to be determined* and a specific push for $350,000 in punitive damages. Additionally, they are seeking $31,237.15 specifically to cover medical expenses incurred as a result of this scary experience.
Other Consequences
This unfortunate incident didn’t just impact the Parker family. Another child, merely 4 years old, also suffered injuries during the same chaotic event, raising further alarm about the conditions present in the bounce house. A spokesperson for Rural Metro brought attention to the fact that the bounce house only collapsed after parents leapt in to rescue their kids, creating a dangerous void that put children atrisk.
Responses and Future Steps
While the Powell Business and Professional Association has stated they need to review the complaint before providing an official comment, the owner of Party Bounce House Rentals indicated that they have not seen similar injuries in the past and are actively investigating the incident.
This tragic event serves as a crucial reminder that inflatable structures like bounce houses are not designed for adult use and should be monitored continuously by capable adults to ensure the safety of all children involved. Families attending future events should remain vigilant and aware of potential hazards to prevent further incidents.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Parents Sue Event Organizer After Child Suffers Injuries
- WATE: Lawsuit Over Foam-Filled Bounce House
- WBIR Video: Parents Sue After Bounce House Incident
- Arizona Family: Concerns About Bounce House Safety Regulations
- WBIR: Bounce House Filled With Foam Leads to Injuries
- Wikipedia: Bounce House
