Personal Injury Lawyer

While most young people are still focused on summer fun, high school and college football players have been busy working out and practicing. Teams typically begin meeting during the month of July in preparation for the fall season. Unfortunately, hotter temperatures and over-enthusiasm can end up leading to potentially serious personal injuries. The following highlights some of the most common causes and what you can do to make sure young athletes are protected.

Common Football Practice Injuries

Football is one of the most popular team sports. Unfortunately, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine reports that football players are among those most likely to suffer sports-related injuries. In addition to mishaps that occur during play, practice can be grueling physically. It does not help that these sessions take place during the hot late summer months. Common types of injuries young players often end up suffering include:

  •       Heat-related injuries: Playing in the sun without proper breaks or access to water can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, two potentially life-threatening conditions.
  •       Overuse injuries: After months away from the game, young football players need plenty of warm-up time to avoid overuse and strain. Lack of proper training or conditioning makes injuries more likely.
  •       Traumatic injuries: Fostering a highly competitive atmosphere and encouraging overly harsh tackles and hits can cause serious and potentially disabling impairments.
  •       Head injuries: Team coaches and administrators need to ensure players have the proper protective gear, particularly helmets to reduce the likelihood of traumatic brain injury (TBI).  

Taking an Active Role in Preventing Football Practice Injuries

Coaches, school administrators, and team doctors all have a duty to ensure the proper procedures are followed to ensure player safety. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), parents play a valuable role in holding them accountable. Steps you can take to protect your child include:

  •       Meet the coaches, assistant coaches, administrators, and all those involved
  •       Make sure up to date physicals are required of all players
  •       Visit practice and check out whether the team has the proper safety equipment
  •       Watch to ensure plenty of water and break periods are provided
  •       Review the guidelines to ensure proper procedures are followed in the event of a player injury

Athletes should be immediately removed from practice or play anytime an accident or injury occurs. If it involves a head injury, the player should get immediate medical care, even if they are not experiencing symptoms. Coaching staff should require injured players to be cleared by their doctor before resuming practice. 

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you or a member of your family has been injured, call a personal injury attorney in Ewing, NJ and request a free consultation today.

 

 

Thanks to Davis & Brusca, LLC for their insight into personal injury law.