THE CAR WAS NOT ON. IT WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY OF A RESIDENTIAL HOME. THE LIFT GATE WAS OPEN. THE ARM THAT LIFTS AND SUPPORTS THE LIFT GATE BROKE SUDDENLY. IT SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION AND A LARGE PRESSURIZED SPRING (GREATER THAN 2 FEET IN LENGTH) PROPELLED FROM THE LIFT GATE ARM. THIS SPRING STRUCK A CHILD IN THE FACE WITH SO MUCH FORCE THAT IT KNOCKED HIM DOWN, WITH CUTS AND BRUISED TO THE CHILD'S FACE (NEAR THE EYES). THE FORCE OF THE SPRING ALSO CAUSED A DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER. IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN, IT HAS POTENTIAL TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT BODILY HARM.