Millions of high school students play organized sports on a daily basis. For many, these experiences are formative and teach lifelong skills regarding working with others, time management, and more. Unfortunately, however, as with any other type of physical activity, participation in high school sports puts individuals at risk for injury, including head injuries like sports concussions. All concussions are serious injuries and have the potential to cause serious problems, particularly when they go unrecognized. For this reason, anyone that has sustained trauma to the head should seek medical attention immediately.
What Is A Concussion?
A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury, also known as a TBI. These injuries cause a disruption in the way the brain normally functions, and while a concussion is a mild form of TBI, it is still a serious medical issue. Multiple concussions have been shown to be associated with significant problems later in life, and even one concussion can require months of rest and have an impact on a person’s ability to live life as they did prior to the sports concussion.
What Kinds Of Sports Can Cause A Concussion?
Any type of physical activity has the potential to cause a concussion, as even the most low-contact sport could result in a fall in which a person hit his or her head. That being said, there are certain sports in which concussions are significantly more common. These tend to be the sports in which physical contact is an accepted and necessary part of the competition – sports like, soccer, football, hockey, and lacrosse.
Can Injured Athletes Recover Compensation After A Concussion?
Many people wonder whether their son or daughter will be able to recover compensation after an injury that occurs in the course playing high school sports. Generally speaking, a legal doctrine known as "assumption of the risk" prevents athletes from bringing a claim after being injured in athletic competition. This is because they are legally deemed to have voluntarily assumed the risks associated with playing that sport. One does not need to be a lawyer to intuitively understand the rule – for example, a boxer cannot sue for being punched in the ring, even if the punch knocks out a tooth, just as a football player cannot sue if his or her leg is broken in the course of a tackle. There are some cases, however, in which athletes can sue after an injury that occurs during sports. These include the following:
- If the injury was caused by an intentional act or an act that was outside of the way in which the sport is usually played;
- If the injury was caused by defective equipment;
- If the injury was caused by negligent coaching;
- If the injury was caused by a problem with the playing field or surface;
Contact a Baltimore, Maryland Sports Injury Attorney Today to Discuss Your Legal Options
If your son or daughter has sustained a concussion while participating in high school sports, you should talk to an attorney as soon as possible. In many cases, the person or party responsible for your child’s injuries can be held liable for any losses he or she sustained, including medical expenses, physical and emotional pain and suffering, lost opportunity, and loss of quality of life. To schedule a free consultation with a Baltimore sports injury lawyer, call our office today at 888-387-3878.
