Did Your Child Suffer A Sports Injury?
For the most part, sports are great. They keep kids busy, healthy, and can build self-esteem. However, when the correct care and precautions are not taken, they can also be extremely dangerous. Sports are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries in children, as well as broken bones. While most sporting injuries do not provide standing to bring a lawsuit, there are exceptions. Understanding your rights and when you have grounds to sue can help you to navigate this legally murky area. In this article we will provide general information on available legal options in the event that your child is injured while participating in a sport. Of course, no two cases are exactly alike. If you would like personalized feedback based on your individual case, you are welcome to schedule a consultation with the Johns Creek personal injury attorneys at Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers. This will give you the opportunity to speak one-on-one with a qualified attorney and receive beneficial legal feedback and insight on your case. And did we mention our consultations are free?
When Can You Sue for a Sports Injury?
Most sports injuries fall under the purview of assumption of risk. When parents sign their kids up for sports they likely sign a liability waiver. This waiver allows parents to assume the risk of their children participating in the sport. Any injury that was caused by a risk deemed inherent to the sport will fall under this waiver, and therefore, will be unlikely to provide a basis for a lawsuit. However, there are exceptions. Intentional physical harm is not an inherent risk of any sport. If another child or adult intentionally harmed your child in a sports context, they can be sued for the harm caused. Exceedingly reckless conduct of other athletes can also fall outside the purview of inherent risks. In addition, if the coach acted negligently by placing your child in a questionable situation that directly resulted in the harm, or in any other way that resulted in harm to your child, this can also be a basis for liability.
Sports Injury Damages
In addition to establishing negligence, in order to bring a successful personal injury claim you must also be able to establish damages. You must be able to quantify these damages financially. Damages can include all medical bills and costs of treatments, medications, medical equipment, and physical therapy. Damages can also include pain and suffering for the physical and emotional trauma caused by the injury. The full amount of damages that you are entitled to depends on the severity and permanency of the injury as well as the degree of negligence involved in causing it.
Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney
If your child has suffered a sporting injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional acts, Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers are ready to help. Serving Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, and the greater Georgia area, Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers will fight for the best possible outcome and the maximum settlement in your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
