Most of the time when we or our children participate in sports, we expect to go home after practice or a game in good shape, although maybe a little tired and sore.
Sometimes, though, something happens, and we (or our children) get hurt.
Often, people playing sports assume the inherent risks involved, but other times the injury comes from the negligence of another party. Maybe there was negligent supervision, inadequate equipment, or the equipment had a defect. Some examples include:
- Experiencing heatstroke because a coach didn’t provide enough water or rest period
- A leg or ankle injury from a hole in an artificial playing surface
- Injury from slipping or falling on an improperly-groomed surface
- A concussion from a faulty helmet
There’s a risk of injury in all sports, but contact sports like football, hockey, wrestling, and boxing carry the greatest risk. Other sports like baseball, cheerleading, and equestrian events also carry a moderately-high risk of injury.
One of the most devastating are head injuries. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that children between the ages of 9 and 18 experience 96,000 concussions every year from sporting accidents. For children, this is especially harmful as their brain tissue is still developing. These injuries can cause serious setbacks for children and impede their development for the rest of their lives.
Understanding when another party may be at fault for an accident is important. Sports injuries can have devastating, life-long effects, and in the worse cases can lead to permanent disabilities. Not only could this affect you or your child’s ability to enjoy the sports they play but could affect the rest of your lives.
If you or someone you love has suffered a sports injury, reach out to the attorneys at The Coppola Firm. We’re here to help.
