The most common child’s sports injury varies depending on the specific sport, age group, and other factors. Some of the most common sports injuries in children include:
- Sprains and strains: Sprains and strains are injuries that happen more frequently. Sprains occur when ligaments are stretched or torn, while sprains are caused when there is stretching of muscles and tendons.
- Fractures: Fractures, or broken bones, can occur in children during sports activities due to falls, direct impacts, or repetitive stress. Common sites of fractures in children include the wrists, forearms, elbows, and ankles.
- Contusions or bruises: Contusions, or bruises, can occur when a child experiences a direct impact or blow to a part of their body during sports activities. Contusions can cause pain, swelling, and discoloration of the skin.
- Overuse injuries: Overuse injuries in children’s sports can occur when a child engages in repetitive activities without adequate rest and recovery time, leading to stress on muscles, tendons, bones, or other tissues.
- Concussions: Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur in sports activities that involve contact or collisions, such as football, soccer, hockey, and basketball.
If a child sustains a sports injury, seeking appropriate medical evaluation and legal guidance from an experienced San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyer may be necessary. They may help you pursue compensation for medical expenses and other damages resulting from your child’s injury.
Can I sue for my child’s sports injury?
It is possible to receive compensation through a lawsuit for a child’s sports injury under certain circumstances. However, it is important the ability to recoup damages depends on numerous factors, including the nature of the injury, applicable laws in your state or jurisdiction, and the specific details of the incident.
When determining the viability of a lawsuit, it is often important to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer with experience in sports-related cases. They can evaluate the specific circumstances of your child’s injury, review evidence, and provide guidance on whether pursuing a legal claim is appropriate.
Important Youth Sports Injury Statistics in the United States
- Approximately 3.5 million children get hurt while participating in recreational activities, according to the Stanford Children’s Health Hospital.
- Roughly 775,000 children who are 14 years old and younger are treated in hospital emergency rooms for sports-related injuries.
Which school sports cause the most injuries?
Some school sports are generally associated with a higher risk of injuries due to their contact nature, intensity, or repetitive movements. Common school sports that are associated with a higher risk of injuries include:
- Football
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Wrestling
- Gymnastics
How to recognize negligence in a sports-related injury
Participating in sports carries inherent risks, and injuries can occur even without negligence or wrongful conduct. However, if your child’s sports injury was caused by the negligence or intentional misconduct of another party, such as a coach, facility owner, or equipment manufacturer, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
There are several examples of negligence that can commonly lead to child sports injuries. Some of these include:
- Inadequate supervision: If coaches, trainers, or supervisors fail to properly monitor and supervise children during sporting activities, it can increase the risk of injuries. This may involve a lack of attention, insufficient training, or failure to enforce safety rules.
- Improper coaching and training: Coaches who lack proper training or understanding of a sport may teach incorrect and potentially dangerous techniques. This may include teaching improper tackling in football, incorrect form in gymnastics, or improper pitching mechanics in baseball.
- Unsafe playing conditions: Fields, courts, and other facilities that are poorly maintained can increase the risk of injury by creating hazards, such as uneven playing surfaces, poor lighting, or unmaintained equipment.
- Inadequate medical attention: Coaches and other supervisors are often required to recognize when a child athlete requires medical attention. Delaying medical treatment or neglecting to follow injury assessment and management protocols can worsen and further complicate an injury.
Need Legal Help? Contact Khattar Law, P.C.
Child sports injuries can have long-lasting physical and psychological effects on young athletes. However, when a child is hurt while participating in extracurricular sports due to someone else’s negligence, a legal claim can provide a path to hold those parties accountable.
If your child has been hurt due to a sports accident or injury in San Antonio, Texas, schedule a free consultation to discuss your case by filling out a contact form or calling us today at
210-791-0817.