Playing sports is a great way for people of all ages to exercise and have fun. Unfortunately, sports inherently carry a risk of injury, some more than others. Sports that involve high speeds and contact between people are generally considered the most dangerous, such as hockey, football, rugby, soccer, or lacrosse. Injuries are an inescapable part of sports, and due to a legal doctrine called assumption of the risk, most injuries sustained while playing sports are non-compensable, meaning that you cannot sue for any damages you incur. On the other hand, if a person willfully or negligently injures you or a member of your family, you may be able to sue the person responsible in a personal injury lawsuit. Shane Smith Law is comprised of experienced personal injury attorneys who are available to consult with you regarding your case at no charge.
Preventing Sports Injuries
Sports injuries can happen to anyone, but children are particularly at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 2.6 children between the ages of 0 and 19 are treated in the emergency room for injuries sustained while playing sports. Fortunately, there are steps that people can take to reduce the risks associated with sports and athletic activity.
- Use the proper equipment – make sure that you use safety equipment appropriate for the activity. This could mean helmets, elbow pads, shin pads, or gloves, depending on the sport.
- Make sure your equipment is in good condition – worn or broken equipment could be hazardous to use
- Practice – make sure that you or your children learn and play sports with players with similar levels of experience and skill
- Pay attention to the weather – do not play outdoor sports in excessive heat or in wet or icy conditions.
One particular type of injury that sometimes occurs in sports is a concussion, a mild form of traumatic brain injury. If a brain injury is suspected, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Contact a Fayette County Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in a sport-related accident, you should contact an experienced Fayette County PI lawyer to have your claim evaluated. Depending on the circumstances of your injury, you may be eligible for financial compensation for any damages you may have incurred. It is important that you do not wait to file your claim. Personal injury claims are subject to a statute of limitations, meaning that there is a limited amount of time in which a claim can be filed. If you suspect that your injury was the result of someone’s negligence, the first thing you should do after receiving proper medical attention is to contact a personal injury attorney. Shane Smith Law is comprised of seasoned Fayette County injury lawyers who are dedicated to getting the best possible outcome for each client we represent. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today at (980) 246-2656.