How can I reduce the risk of using a bounce house?

If you use a bounce house with the children, you are taking on additional risks that children could be injured. You will be held responsible if a child is injured. It's a good idea to get parents to sign a permission form, saying that they agree to let their child play on a bounce house.

But, you won't reduce or eliminate your risk if you get the parents to sign a liability waiver that says they won't sue you if their child is injured. Judges won't uphold liability waivers.

Parents can't give up their right to sue you. Children can always sue you later if they are injured.

Protect yourself by getting parents to sign a permission form. This will reduce, but not eliminate the risk. Get a lot of business liability insurance ($1 million per occurrence and $2-3 million aggregate) to protect you from a lawsuit. Such insurance will also pay for medical expenses. For more information, see my book Family Child Care Legal & Insurance Guide.