Warmer spring weather brings children out to play. If you are a parent, you may be looking into enrolling your child in some type of youth sports activity. This can provide a sense of camaraderie and important lessons about teamwork while helping your child stay physically fit and providing skills that could eventually help them get into college.
While youth sports programs offer numerous benefits, it is important to be aware of the risks. Serious personal injuries in Portland can happen due to negligence on the part of coaches, facility providers, other players, or anyone else involved. Our Portland child injuries lawyer explains more about the risks and ways to protect young athletes.
National Youth Sports Injury Prevention Month
April is designated as National Youth Sports Injury Prevention Month. It is the perfect time of year to raise awareness, as many children are now resuming sports and recreational activities after the long winter months.
While team and individual youth sports offer many advantages, it is important to be aware of the risks. According to SafeKids Worldwide, nearly 1.5 million children are seen in hospital emergency rooms each year as a result of sports-related injuries, while millions more visit local doctor’s offices for treatment.
These injuries often occur in children who engage in sports that involve direct contact with other players and opposing teams, such as football, soccer, baseball, and hockey. However, they can also happen to children who participate in more individual activities, such as gymnastics or track. Among the most common types of youth sports injuries include:
- Muscle strains or sprains, and other types of soft tissue injuries;
- Broken bones and complex fractures, impacting the arms, wrists, ankles, legs, or other body parts;
- Concussions, which can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBI);
- Injuries to the back, neck, or spinal cord, which can result in permanent mobility impairments;
- Dehydration, exhaustion due to overexertion, and heat-related injuries.
Common Causes of Youth Sports Injuries
Youth sports injuries can happen whether your child is involved in activities sponsored by the school, through the Portland Parks and Recreation programs, or other local and neighborhood groups. In most cases, they are preventable.
When children suffer serious personal injuries during youth sports, it is often due to negligence on the part of coaches, program coordinators, or others involved. Among the most common causes:
- Lack of proper training or warm-up exercises;
- Lack of proper safety gear and equipment, such as helmets and shoulder pads;
- Dangerous play surfaces, which may not provide adequate traction or cushioning;
- Lack of supervision, which can contribute to accidents and cause serious injuries to get overlooked;
- Overly aggressive play, which should be immediately addressed by adults in charge.
Protecting Children Against Youth Sports Injuries In Portland
Parents can play a major role in helping to protect their children against youth sports injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers these tips:
- Meet coaches, program officials, and others involved;
- Ask for details about the program and what is expected from players;
- Make sure your child has the appropriate safety gear;
- Encourage your child to practice and get them additional training, if needed;
- Make sure they have access to water at all times and stay hydrated during play;
- Be a role model and encourage good sportsmanship, avoiding harsh criticism or overly aggressive behavior.
It is also important for parents to tell coaches and other sports program staff that they want to be informed immediately if their child suffers any type of suspected injury. Injured children should be removed from play and not allowed to return prior to being cleared by a doctor. Failing to follow these precautions can have dangerous impacts on a child’s health.
Our Portland Child Injuries Lawyer Protects Your Rights To Compensation
Youth sports injuries can have serious impacts on your child and your family. Depending on the severity, they could require ongoing medical care while preventing them from engaging in their favorite hobbies and other activities. When youth sports injuries happen due to negligence on the part of coaches, trainers, program coordinators, or others involved, you have the right to hold them accountable.
At the Johnston Law Firm, we provide the professional legal representation you need in filing a claim. Our Portland child injuries lawyer carefully reviews your case, gathers the evidence needed, and helps you get compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, as well as the pain and suffering your child and your family endures. Call (503) 546-3167 or contact our office online and request a consultation today.