Sports Related Injuries and Legal Liability
Sports injuries are a common occurrence, especially in high-impact sports like football and hockey. While many of these injuries are minor and can be treated with rest and rehabilitation, others can be more serious and potentially life-threatening. Below, will explore two of the most serious types of sports injuries: concussions and cardiac events.
Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the head is violently shaken or struck. This can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, leading to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss. While concussions are common in sports, they can have serious long-term effects if not properly treated. In extreme cases, repeated concussions can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that has been linked to depression, memory loss, and other cognitive problems.
In recent years, there has been increasing concern about the risks of concussions in sports, particularly in contact sports like football. In response, many sports leagues and organizations have implemented rules and guidelines to help prevent concussions and ensure that players receive proper treatment if they do occur. This includes things like mandatory helmet use, concussion protocol, and education programs for coaches and players.
Despite these efforts, however, concussions remain a sincere concern in sports. In addition to the risks to the players themselves, there is also the potential for legal liability if a sports organization or coach fails to take appropriate steps to prevent or treat concussions. For example, if a coach fails to accurately diagnose and treat a concussion, and the player suffers long-term consequences as a result, the coach and even the organization could potentially be sued for negligence.
Another serious risk in sports is the potential for a cardiac event, such as a heart attack or cardiac arrest This can occur when the heart is subjected to intense physical stress, such as during a marathon or other endurance event. While cardiac events are rare in sports, they can be deadly if not treated quickly.
As with concussions, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of cardiac events in sports. This includes pre-participation physicals, proper conditioning, and access to emergency medical personnel. However, even with these precautions in place, there is still the risk of cardiac malfunction.
In the event of a cardiac incident during a sporting event, the legal liability of the event organizers and/or coaches may be called into question. If it can be shown that they failed to take appropriate precautions to prevent a heart attack, or if they were slow to respond to an emergency, they could potentially be held liable for any resulting injuries or deaths.
On January 2nd, 2023, Damar Hamlin, a 24-year-old safety with the Buffalo Bills, was in critical condition leaving the game to go to the hospital after going into cardiac arrest on the field. The initial reports indicate that he made a tackle at the wrong angle at the wrong time. Whether it is the NFL or youth sports, there are risks and significant liability for the event organizers, coaches and personnel if the immediate moments following a catastrophic event like this are not handled properly.
In conclusion, sports injuries, including concussions and cardiac events, can be serious and potentially life-threatening. While there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of these injuries, injuries still occur. In these cases, there may be legal liability on the part of coaches, organizations, or event organizers if they fail to take appropriate precautions or respond appropriately to an emergency. It is important for all parties involved in sports to be aware of these risks and take appropriate steps to mitigate them and help those impacted.
If you have suffered any type of injury, please call our office at 412-471-3980 or fill out our contact form and one of our attorneys will evaluate your case at no charge.
