There is inherent risk when someone is involved in sports, even those that do not typically involve contact. Because of this, many organized sports organizations and leagues require a liability waiver for participation. However, even if you have signed a waiver, you may still be entitled to seek compensation for a sports injury when negligence is involved.
Negligence may occur when a sports injury results from risks not typically inherent in the activity. This can include things such as:
- Defective or inadequate equipment
- Poorly maintained or unsafe facilities
- Intentionally violent or dangerous misconduct
- Insufficient coaching or inadequate supervision
Sports injuries that result from aggressively pushing athletes to perform or to perform above their skill level may also qualify for legal action, particularly when they harm youths involved in things like gymnastics or cheerleading.
How common are sports injuries?
According to Stanford Health, more than 775,000 children visit the emergency room each year for injuries suffered during sports and recreational activities, many of them head injuries. Sports injury accounts for approximately 21 percent of traumatic brain injuries suffered by children younger than 14.
By far the highest injury rate occurs in children involved in contact and collision sports, with football seeing the most significant number of injuries. However, basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer also see many injuries. A majority of these injuries occur during practice.
Adults don’t fare much better. According to the Insurance Information Institute, hundreds of thousands of adults suffer an injury while participating in sports and recreational activities annually. Some of these are undoubtedly due to factors beyond the victim’s control.
If you or your child suffers an injury that you suspect is the result of someone else’s negligence, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney who can review the facts of your case and help determine the next best steps. Our firm has helped countless victims seek fair compensation following serious injuries, including a $7.5 million settlement for a La Salle University student who suffered brain damage following insufficient concussion protocol.
Kline & Specter has Stanford Health with decades of experience helping families seek justice. We maintain offices in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, and New Jersey and work with firms outside of these jurisdictions as appropriate.
