Spinal Cord Injuries and Sports Accidents
Participating in sports is a great way to learn about teamwork, get exercise, and improve your athletic skills. At the professional level, players tend to get injured every week. But injuries among little league, high school, and college players are also common.
One of the most traumatic types of injuries is a spinal cord injury, which can severely affect a person’s quality of life. Spinal cord injuries and sports accidents are the result of direct and forceful contact between players, most often in soccer and football. Some of these accidents are just that, an accident; but in other instances there are other parties to blame.
When safety precautions are not taken or when the proper gear is not used, the likelihood of a life changing injury to the spinal cord is high. Experienced personal injury attorney Gary A. Zucker, in Brooklyn, NY, can help you identify which parties are liable.
Common Causes of Sporting Injuries
A sporting injury can happen in nearly any sport, but when one-on-one contact is involved, the chance of an injury increases. Sports like football, soccer, rugby, baseball, and basketball are among the most physically demanding games and the players are the most prone to an injury.
Common causes of sporting injuries include:
- Faulty helmets and headgear: When the possibility of running head on into another player is part of the game, proper use of a helmet or other headgear is a necessity. But it is also necessary to use equipment that is manufactured properly and functions as intended. Faulty helmets and headgear can cause more harm than good, and the gear used should be examined for potential defect when an injury occurs.
- Improper training: Coaches do more than run plays and come up with training camp schedules, they are also responsible for teaching correct technique so players can avoid injury. When coaches are not given the proper training or fail to implement safe practices, we will look at the policies and procedures in place.
Establishing Liability for a Sports Injury
Spinal cord injuries sustained while participating in a sport require immediate and thorough medical treatment. A spinal cord injury can result in diminished brain function or paralysis, and have lifelong affects.
Victims of spinal cord injuries may have to relearn certain basic life skills. The cost of the care required is usually very high and the recovery lengthy. This devastating combination makes it essential to recover full compensation.
The biggest obstacle to overcome in these cases is showing another person or entity was negligent. This could be the coach or the manufacturer of the safety equipment, at a school, it could be the athletic department heads or administration. A careful review of all of the facts leading up to the accident and injury is required to make this determination.
Who to Call for Help
If you have been hurt while playing a sport, call personal injury attorney Gary A. Zucker. Our firm specializes in personal injury cases, including severe sports injuries such as damage to the spinal cord. To learn more about how we can help you today, contact us online or call us at (718) 624-1211.