Americans love sports. Athletics — both playing and watching — is part of our national DNA. And like anything we do so often, we run the risk of getting hurt as an athlete or as a spectator.
But figuring out who’s at fault for sports injuries can be difficult. Here are some big questions surrounding sports injuries and sports injury lawsuits:
1. Injured at a Sporting Event: Can You Sue?
It’s not just the athletes that can get injured. Spectator injuries at sporting events — by wayward balls, slip and falls, and flying racecar debris — are all too common.
2. Kids’ Sports Injuries: 1 in 10 Get Hurt
Sports are a worthwhile activity for kids, but that doesn’t mean they’re not without some risk. With so many children participating in sports, there are bound to be some injuries, but there are ways to keep your kids safe.
3. Study: Child Sports Concussion Rates Rising
One of the biggest rises in injury rates involves head injuries and concussions. And while the NFL seems to be grabbing most of the headlines, it’s not just professionals, or even just football players, that are at risk.
4. New Football Controversy: Abdominal Injuries
And it’s not just concussions that football players need to worry about. Some high school players have suffered fatal internal abdominal injuries, giving rise to some new safety equipment.
5. HS Football Coach’s Extreme Practice Gets Him Sued
Most sports injuries are accidents. But sadly, some are easily preventable, with the right training and care. This coach demonstrated all the wrong qualities.
6. Are You Required to Sign School Liability Waivers?
If your child participates in sports (or, seemingly, any other activity) at school, you’ve probably already seen a mandatory liability waiver. But how mandatory are they, really? And what, exactly, are you signing away?
7. School Sports Injury Lawsuits Can Be Hit or Miss
If your child is injured playing school sports, that waiver can make a lawsuit difficult. As can a theory called “assumption of risk,” which contends that athletes know there is a danger of injury and consent to play anyway.
Any injury lawsuit can be complex, and the dynamic of school, athletics, and even sports venue only further complicate litigation. If you or your child has been injured playing or watching sport and you’re considering filing a lawsuit, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney first.
Related Resources:
- Have an injury claim? Get your claim reviewed for free. (Consumer Injury)
- Can You Win a Child Sports Injury Lawsuit? (FindLaw’s Injured)
- Wrestling Camp Sued Over Teen’s Brain Injury (FindLaw’s Injured)
- School Liability Waivers: What a Parent Signs Away (FindLaw’s Injured)
