Personal Injuries From Sports
Millions of Americans participate in sports, either for recreation, exercise, or both. Unfortunately, all sports carry the risk of injury. While some injuries are minor, catastrophic injuries can cause long-term or even lifelong damage.
Even though people accept a degree of risk when participating in sports, certain safety protocols still need to be followed. If protocols are neglected and that leads to an injury, victims may have grounds to file a personal injury claim. Here, the lawyers from Moody Law, which serves Lakeland, FL, Winter Haven, FL, and surrounding areas, discuss the types of personal injuries most commonly associated with sports, and who is liable for damages related to sports injuries.
Which Sports Are Most Dangerous?
When most people think of sports injuries, they associate them with high contact sports. While contact sports are responsible for many sports injuries, any sport has the potential to cause injuries. According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between the years 2010-2016, there were approximately 2.7 million annual emergency department visits for sports-related injuries made by people aged five to 24. Among this demographic, the five sports responsible for the most injuries were:
- Football
- Basketball
- Cycling
- Soccer
- Ice skating/roller skating/skateboarding (this includes hockey)
Common Sports Injuries
Sports can lead to a wide range of injuries, many of which are pretty minor in nature. Sports injuries that tend to heal within a short time frame without causing any long-term complications may include sprains and strains, swollen muscles, tendon injuries, and minor fractures.
Unfortunately, sports also have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries. Catastrophic injuries take longer to heal and are likely to result in long-term complications, and possibly lifelong disabilities. Catastrophic injuries that may result from sports include:
- Concussions
- Brain bleeds
- Skull fracture
- Traumatic brain injury
- Head or neck injury
- Traumatic spinal cord injury
- Heat stroke
Liability for Sports Injury Damages
When people choose to participate in sports, they assume a certain degree of risk. Some sports participants are even asked to sign a liability waiver that states they will not file a lawsuit if they are injured while playing the sport. However, injury victims should know that they can file a personal injury claim to hold liable parties accountable for sports injuries, under certain circumstances.
Even if a release of liability has been signed, an injury claim can be filed if the injury was caused by a risk that is not inherent to the sport, or one that could not have been anticipated. For example, a lawsuit may be filed when an injury is caused by any of the following:
- Intentional misconduct
- Negligent coaching
- Defective sports equipment (or failure to provide appropriate spots equipment)
- Unsafe sports facilities
The person or party who can be held liable for damages related to sports injuries will depend on the circumstances of the injury, but may include the owner or operator of a sports facility, a sports coach, a player, or an equipment manufacturer.
Learn More
If you have suffered physical, emotional, or financial damages related to a sports injury, the lawyers at Moody Law can determine if you have grounds to file a personal injury claim. To discuss the details of your case with our legal team, send us a message online or call our Lakeland law office at (863) 284-9090.