Boynton Beach Sports Injury Lawyer
According to a study published by Stanford Children’s Health, approximately 30 million kids take part in some form of organized sports. Annually, almost 4 million are injured, some fatally. For the most part, the injuries children and teens endure are accidental. But occasionally, the accidents occur as a result of negligence.
The knowledgeable Boynton Beach sports injury lawyers of Leifer & Ramirez have represented several clients who have suffered from injuries they incurred while playing sports. After years of experience, our lawyers have learned that fatalities and lesser sports-related injuries can be the result of the negligent actions of coaches, schools, sports leagues, and overzealous athletes on the same field.
Establishing Liability for Sports-Related Injuries
One of the greatest challenges to the recovery of damages in a sports injury case, especially in youth sports, is the concept of consent. To be eligible for participation on most county, city or school sports teams, the parent is obligated to sign a waiver or consent form which states that both the child and the parent understand there are several risks involved when playing that specific sport.
But the sports league or school may be responsible for permitting violence or misconduct that is not within the scope of rules associated with the game. Here’s an example: ABC Academy continuously permits the use of excessive force during football practice. As a result, they may be held accountable for injuries sustained by one of their athletes. If the conduct of the coaches or players does adhere to certain standards, the school may be liable. Not only is this true in practice, but in the actual game as well.
As mentioned, there is the possibility for athletic instructors or coaches to be held responsible for sports-related injuries. Negligent types of instructional methods or coaching include:
- The failure to take an injured player off the field
- Assaulting a player physically
- Nurturing behavior that is outside the scope of rules for the sport
- Forcing the child to play beyond a point that is considered reasonable during practice and training
- In the event of an emergency, neglecting to contact or consult with medical professionals
If any of the above scenarios directly leads to a child getting hurt, the coaching staff may be required to pay damages to pay for medical or other associated costs.
Types of Injuries Sustained
The majority of sports injuries can be avoided by properly using the appropriate safety equipment and taking steps to ensure the safety of athletes and spectators. However, as with many things in life, mishaps can occur in under the most cautious of circumstances.
The most common injuries related to sports include:
- Fractures
- Concussions or other head injuries
- Damage to the knee
- Fractured or broken bones
- Fractured spines
- Back injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Neck injuries
Let Us Help You Today
At Leifer & Ramirez, we offer free consultation to residents of Boynton Beach and throughout the state of Florida. For the benefit of our clients, our firm will work with investigators and industry experts so we can build a strong case. Our goal is to assist you in recovering any monetary damages to which you are entitled. Contact us today for help.
