Sports Related Accidents & The Law
Injuries are, unfortunately, a part of participating in all sports, and can happen anywhere – on the court, at a training facility, in a school gym or even in a friend’s backyard. While most injuries can be treated, others can be serious, compromising an athlete’s ability to function or can even be life-threatening.
In high impact sports like hockey and football, concussion injuries can be particularly common. Concussions can be caused by any heavy blow to the head, amongst other causes, and can result in permanent, life-altering changes, given the control of almost all bodily functions that originate in the brain. Given this potential for functional change, when an athlete suffers a head injury, it is important to consult with a doctor as soon as possible.
Head trauma is of grave concern not only in professional sports but also at the recreational level. Concussions can have serious long-term consequences, and seemingly minor blows to the head or apparently routine jarring impacts can cause permanent damage. Make no mistake, a concussion is a brain injury and it can affect victims in ways that we still don’t fully understand.
Of course, a significant proportion of serious injuries are associated with hockey, football and other sports that involve collisions with other athletes. These impacts can result in head injuries that may not seem to be significant right away, but athletes need to be mindful that any symptoms that suggest even a mild concussion need to be treated carefully.
Sporting injuries can, of course, include severe and life-altering head, neck, brain and spinal cord injuries, and it is important to seek medical assistance as soon as possible after an injury to give the best chances of understanding the injury, getting an accurate diagnosis and making a full and complete recovery.
Anyone who sustains an injury in the course of participating in sports should consider meeting with a specializedpersonal injury law firm to discuss their legal options.
Sporting accidents usually happen when you least expect them, and without any malicious intent. They are, unfortunately, part of the game, but when an athlete suffers a sporting injury either through an intentional act or through the negligence of a competitor or coach, or because of inappropriate use or maintenance of fields, equipment or facilities, make sure you contact a law firm with a proven record in sports accident related cases.
If you or a loved one has suffered an accident while playing any type of sports, we can help. Mackesy Smye Personal Injury Lawyers have represented many sporting injury victims in the past and our personal injury lawyers have been able to determine the best course of action to place our clients in position to win the maximum compensation possible.