Protecting Children Against Sports-Related Injuries

 Posted on April 14, 2022 in Personal Injury

The month of April has been designated as National Youth Sports Safety Month. One of the best ways for children to stay healthy and make new friends is participate in school-related or recreational sports. Although it can be fun for a child to be part of a team and learn about engaging in healthy competition with others, it is important for parents to be aware of the injury risks associated with these activities. It is also important for parents to realize that just as they are responsible for keeping their children safe, so too are the school officials, coaches, and recreational staff who are also involved in these activities.

Sports-Related Injury Awareness

It is estimated that more than 2.5 million children are treated in emergency rooms each year for sports-related injuries in the United States. There are a number of activities that children engage in that can result in serious injuries. Some of the more common include:

• Baseball

• Basketball

• Dance

• Football

• Lacrosse

• Soccer

• Swimming

• Track and Field

• Volleyball

Preventing injuries while participating in these activities should be the number one priority for coaches and other sports program administrators. Some of the most common injuries children can suffer include:

• Overuse injuries, which can result in muscle or tendon strains and sprains

• Broken bones and hairline fractures, caused by falls and interactions with others

• Back and neck injuries, which can include damage to the spinal cord

• Head injuries, which can cause a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Heat-related injuries, which can result in severe dehydration and heatstroke

Protecting Your Child Against Injuries

Although the school or recreational facility is required to take the necessary precautions and to require that safety equipment be used, it is still important for parents to take an active role in protecting their child. Steps you can take include:

• Make sure all safety equipment is in good condition and used at all times during practice or play

• Check surface materials where games and practices are held to ensure they are made of the proper materials and regularly maintained

• Make sure young athletes are not exposed to the elements and have plenty of water available

• Insist that your child be removed from play the minute an injury is suspected

Contact a North Shore Injury Attorney

No matter how many precautions parents take in protecting their children, negligence on the part of someone involved in the program their child is involved in can still happen and their child gets injured.

If your child has sustained a sports-related injury, call Gruzmark Law, Ltd. at [847-729-7660 to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled Glenview, IL personal injury lawyers to see what legal options you may have.

Source:

https://www.vumc.org/injuryprevention/national-youth-sports-safety-month