Who Pays for High School Sports Injuries?

Sports are an important part of many young people’s lives. While high school sports can build confidence, health consciousness, strength, teamwork skills, and possibly lead to a college scholarship, playing sports can also be risky. 

Sometimes, sports injuries happen, and no one is to blame. However, other sports injuries happen due to the negligence of others. When this happens in the Vacaville area, consult with an injury lawyer at The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc. 

Sports Injuries Resulting from Negligence

Teens who engage in high school sports should be outfitted properly. They should also be taught what measures to take to avoid injuries during practices and gameplay. 

That means schools and coaches must make safety a priority. If they’re found to be negligent, then it’s time to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

A coach who encourages an athlete to take part in a sport when they’re physically unfit or allows a player to use equipment that is considered unsafe may end up getting sued in a personal injury lawsuit.

Common Sports Injuries in Personal Injury Cases

Common injuries in personal injury cases that are acquired during sports play include knee and shoulder injuries, trauma to the head, and overuse and heat injuries. The following list provides more information about these types of lesions and traumas.

Knee Injuries

Players in sports may experience knee injuries from time to time – especially if it involves the anterior or posterior cruciate ligament or the menisci (knee cartilage). These two injuries can easily impact a player’s long-term involvement in a sport.

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries may also occur. The labrum (the cartilage bumper that surrounds the socket of the shoulder) is especially vulnerable to injury. Injuries to the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) can reduce shoulder strength and function as well.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Football players often suffer from traumatic brain injuries. This may happen if a player tackles with their head up and does not lead with their helmet. Therefore, coaches need to teach players specific safety techniques to use to avoid contusions and trauma. 

Also, it’s important to remember that a traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion, does not always result in unconsciousness. Other symptoms of a concussion are headache, dizziness, loss of balance, drowsiness, and nausea. Blurred vision and problems with concentration may also develop.

A player who receives a concussion should not return to gameplay unless given the go-ahead from a healthcare professional.

Overuse Injuries

In programs where players are not trained properly, overuse injuries may happen. Some of these injuries, such as back pain, are fairly common. Overuse may occur if the player trains beyond the point of recovery. Patellar tendinitis (knee pain) is an overuse injury that should be monitored regularly.

Heat Injuries

In addition, heat-related injuries may develop if a player is not given sufficient breaks.

Intense physical activity can lead to excessive sweating – causing a depletion of water and salt. Heat injury symptoms involve painful cramping and can progress to heat exhaustion or heat stroke (sometimes even death). This can take place if a player’s body is not adequately cooled or their fluids aren’t replaced on a consistent basis.

Tips for Injury Prevention in High School Sports

To prevent injuries on the playing and practice fields or on the basketball court, players should:

• Perform warm-ups and cool-down routines
• Regularly practice stretching and strength training
• Receive the proper hydration
• Wear all the required protective equipment and gear, making sure it fits properly
• Know what techniques to use to avoid injuries

Taking a Sports Injury to Court: Why the Stakes Are Higher

High school sports have always been a source of excitement and pride for students, parents, and the entire community. They bring people together and help young athletes learn valuable life lessons like teamwork, discipline, and persistence. 

However, injuries during high school sports are also an unfortunate reality. The question often arises: Who really pays when kids get injured playing athletic games?

Insurance: The First Line of Defense

The first line of defense in covering the costs associated with sports injuries is insurance. In most cases, students who take part in high school athletics are required to have some form of health coverage. Either parents or guardians will make this commitment.

Many schools also offer supplementary insurance policies for student-athletes. These policies may provide added coverage for incidents that occur during school-sponsored events, practices, or games. It’s crucial to review and understand the specifics of each insurance plan to ensure your child is properly covered for any potential sports-related injuries.

If you feel you need to review your claim or that your coverage isn’t sufficient, you should discuss your case with a personal injury attorney. After all, insurance companies are in the business of making money. By consulting with a lawyer, you can negotiate a fairer settlement.

Liability Factors

In some cases, schools or coaches may be held liable for injuries that occur during high school sporting events. This is especially true if the other party is found negligent in providing a safe environment or in the proper supervision of students. Examples include poor equipment maintenance, unsafe playing surfaces, and inadequate instruction on proper techniques.

If liability is found on the part of the school or coach, the injured party may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and other damages. However, proving negligence is challenging. That’s why it is advisable to consult with an experienced attorney in such instances.

Waivers

Many schools require parents or guardians to sign waivers before their children can take part in high school sports. These waivers typically include language absolving the school of liability should an injury occur.

However, not all waivers are created equally. Some may not stand up in court if they are too broad or do not adequately inform participants about potential risks. 

Therefore, it’s important for parents and students to review written waivers carefully and consult with a legal professional if they have questions or concerns.

School Support Options

Some schools may offer assistance or support for injured student-athletes – either through specific programs or on a case-by-case basis. This could include covering medical bills, rehabilitation costs, or other expenses related to an injury sustained during a high school sporting activity.

Contact a Vacaville Personal Injury Attorney Now

Although the financial responsibility for high school sports injuries varies depending on the specific circumstances, there are potential avenues for assistance. Familiarity with insurance policies, liability factors, waivers, and other available support options may help alleviate some of the burdens associated with these unexpected events.

Has your son or daughter had an injury while playing sports? Do you feel the coach or sports program should be held accountable? If so, contact the Cartwright Law Firm now. Schedule an appointment to discuss your case right away.