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Sports Injuries: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Children

By Jason Bottlinger on June 29, 2018

It is no secret that we love sports here in America. We can remember playing them as children, perhaps joining a team in high school or college, and we now attend games or watch them on TV as adults. So it is only natural that we let our children experience that same joy. Not only do children enjoy playing sports, but it provides great exercise and keeps them out of trouble! Sports are not without risks, though, and so it’s important to know what to do if an injury occurs.

While sports injuries can range from minor scrapes to broken bones or concussions, sometimes, they can be prevented. The risks may be greater if equipment is used inappropriately, or if your child’s coaching staff or school supervisors aren’t properly trained.

If your child does sustain a sports injury, someone else might be responsible for paying those bills according to Nebraska law. To determine who, and how to go about filing a claim, we highly recommend that you consult with a local attorney.

Common Sports Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Although sports injuries tend to be more severe as children grow due to increased strength and competitiveness, they occur at all ages. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends several ways to keep your children safe while playing sports:

• Use the right equipment: It all starts with the right gear. Approved equipment that is undamaged and fits properly goes a long way in protecting against injuries.
• Take time off to recover: It is recommended that children take off at least one day a week and one month a year to allow the body to rest and repair itself.
• Use the right technique: Make sure children strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and use proper athletic techniques to reduce the possibility of injury.

Injuries that result from repeated motion are classified as overuse injuries, and taking that time off to rest can really help with them. These injuries can also be avoided by ensuring children are properly warmed up before practice or a game. They include:

• Little League elbow: Caused by repetitive throwing, resulting in elbow pain.
• Swimmer’s shoulder: Inflammation of the shoulder caused by the repeated stress of the overhead motions while swimming.
• Shin splints: Caused by repeated running on a hard surface; an inflammation of the muscles and soft tissue around the tibia.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

If proper training and protective gear are not being provided to children and they are injured as a result, the school or equipment manufacturer may be liable. Coaches hired by a school or an outside league are expected to provide reasonable care, instruction, and preparation to their players. There are legal duties involved in instructing and protecting children during practice and at games. A school may be liable if it fails to provide proper training, safe equipment, or appropriate supervision. Some examples of negligence that can result in an injury are:

• Football players injuring their heads because they’re not given helmets during practice drills.
• A coach allowing an athlete to go back into a game after sustaining a concussion.
• A cheerleading coach allowing dangerous routines to be practiced without prior training and safety precautions in place.

On the other hand, if children are injured due to a defect in equipment or protective gear they were using, the manufacturer may be liable. The responsibility for medical bills would fall on the producer of the product, rather than the school or facility where the injury occurred.

Let an Lawyer Ensure You Receive Proper Compensation

Playing sports is one of the simple joys of life. There are many benefits to letting your children participate: it is great exercise, it can help them make friends and stay out of trouble, and it’s also an inexpensive way to have a good time! In a world dominated by social media, television, and video games, it is important to embrace opportunities that allow children to get a breath of fresh air. While there are risks to playing sports, the benefits far outweigh the dangers. With proper training, safe equipment, and adequate time to rest, these risks can be reduced significantly.

However, in the event your child is injured during a game or practice, it is important to remember that the school or equipment manufacturer may be liable. In fact, if another child willfully caused your child’s injury, those parents may be liable. By consulting an attorney who knows personal injury in Omaha, you will have the best chance of receiving compensation for your child. Bottlinger Law L.L.C. offers free initial consultations, and we know children, because we have them ourselves. Call our team today at (402) 505-8234. We want to get your kids running again.