Washington DC Child Sports Injuries

Participating in sports activities can be a great way for children and teenagers to get in shape, make friends, and build self-esteem. Unfortunately, it is possible for young people to get injured during sporting events, and sometimes, these injuries are the result of adult negligence.

Very few people enjoy filing lawsuits, but with help from the right Washington DC child sports injuries lawyer, you may be able to hold the party responsible for the pain and suffering your child is experiencing accountable for their actions. If you believe the actions of a negligent adult, organization, or academic institution caused your child to sustain an injury, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Call an experienced attorney today to learn more.

Emotional and Financial Costs of Injuries

Sports such as basketball, track and field, soccer, and gymnastics can be fun, but they can often result in painful injuries. In general, team sports present a greater threat to the health of children than individual activities due to the fact that multiple children are involved. Some of the most common sports injuries sustained by children include:

  • Broken and fractured bones
  • Concussions
  • Cuts and bruises
  • Sprained joints
  • Injuries to the mouth and teeth

These are only a few of the injuries frequently sustained by young athletes, and even though they are typically not life-threatening, they can be painful and expensive to treat. More serious injuries, such as spinal cord damage, brain trauma, and internal bleeding can also occur.

When a young person sustains such a serious injury, they will face numerous physical and emotional challenges for years to come.

Can Parents Hold a School or Sporting League Liable?

Most of the time, a school or sporting league will not be held liable if a child sustains an injury while playing a sport. This is because parents must give consent in order for their children to play a sport, and this usually absolves the school or sporting league of any responsibility in the event of an injury, regardless of the circumstances.

However, parents may be able to hold a school or sporting league liable if either party knowingly allowed or encouraged dangerous conduct. For example, if a football league allows its players to use excessive force, they may be liable if a child sustains an injury.

They may also be liable if the school or sporting league engages in reckless or negligent behavior (ex: failing to ensure a child has all the appropriate safety gear before playing a game). Parents of children injured in this manner may want to consult a Washington DC child sports injuries lawyer.

Negligent Coaches and Instructors

It may be possible to hold coaches or instructors accountable for injuries under certain circumstances. If a coach or instructor engages in any of the following dangerous or inappropriate methods, it may be possible to hold them legally accountable:

  • Failing to consult a doctor after a child sustains an injury
  • Encouraging athletes to “play dirty” or use dangerous techniques
  • Refusing to remove an injured athlete from a game
  • Pushing athletes beyond their normal physical limits
  • Failing to record or inform parents of injuries

The behaviors listed above can be deadly and are completely unacceptable.

Speak with a Washington DC Child Sports Injuries Attorney Today

If your child was injured during a sporting activity, you may be able to file a lawsuit if the injury was caused by negligence. This can be difficult, and you may need to hire an attorney who has experience with these kinds of cases. Call a Washington DC child sports injuries lawyer today.