It is no secret that Alabama natives are some of the most die-hard sports fans in the country. That includes not only spending time watching our favorite college football team but participating in a variety of sporting activities to stay physically active. Now more than ever, men and women of all ages are seeking the wide range of health benefits that playing sports has to offer.
Although sports are a great way to promote healthy living, it is not without risk. In fact, nearly 2 million people every year suffer sports-related injuries that can range from a minor ankle sprain to a serious brain injury. This is particularly concerning for children given that almost one-third of all injuries experienced during childhood are sports-related.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a sports activity, our experienced personal injury lawyers can evaluate your situation and help you understand your options. Injuries may be due to inadequate or faulty equipment, negligent supervision, or another reason. We can help you evaluate the situation and obtain compensation to cover your losses. Call Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. today at (205) 933-1500.
Common Causes of Sports Injuries
Some of the most common causes of sports-related injuries include:
- Falls
- Collisions among players in contact sports
- Being struck by an object such as a baseball
- Unsafe or inadequate use of equipment
- Improper training of coaches or players
- Failure to follow concussion protocol
- Failure to maintain playing premises
- Insufficient medical treatment
- Failure to follow policy or rule for when players can be medically cleared to return to play
- Inadequate supervision
Common Sports Injuries
- Fractures and dislocations
- Sprains and strains
- Muscle, tendon, or ligament tears
- Brain injuries including concussions, or mild/moderate/severe TBIs
- Contusions (bruises) and abrasions (scrapes or cuts)
- Lacerations
Most Dangerous Sports
While every sport carries the risk of injury, some are more dangerous than others. Based on the number of reported injuries per year, according to PropertyCasualty360, the most injury-prone sports are:
- Basketball – Resulted in nearly 570,000 injuries in 2012, 8,000 of which required hospitalization.
- Bicycling ¬– Resulted in nearly 557,000 injuries in 2012, 42,000 of which required hospitalization.
- Football – Resulted in more than 446,000 injuries in 2012, 10,000 of which required hospitalization.
- Baseball/Softball – Resulted in more than 265,000 injuries in 2012, 4,500 of which required hospitalization.
- Soccer – Resulted in more than 231,000 injuries in 2012, 5,000 of which required hospitalization.
Dangers of Injuries in Youth Sports
According to data, 60 million children ages 6 to 18 participate in some form of organized sports. Children are more likely to be injured during any kind of physical activity because their muscles, bones, and other structures are still growing.
More than 2.6 million children are treated for sports-related injuries in emergency room department and there were 24 deaths between 2004 and 2009. Even more alarming is that sports cause approximately 21 percent of all traumatic brain injuries among children and adolescents.
Legal Liability for Sports Injuries
The NFL concussion litigation with former players has raised awareness about the long-lasting consequences of sports-related brain injuries. If you or your child has been injured while playing sports due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, you may be able to receive compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
At the Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C., our sports injury lawyers in Alabama can listen to your concerns, investigate your accident, explain your legal options, and help you fight to recover compensation for:
- Medical costs
- Loss of earning potential
- Physical pain
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
- Property loss or damage
We are committed to providing professional and knowledgeable legal representation with the goal of obtaining the best result possible for our clients. Call our Alabama injury law firm today at (205) 933-1500 to receive a free consultation.
