Child and Adolescent Sports Injuries

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 38 million children and adolescents participate in organized sports and/or outdoor activities. Out of those 38 million, more than 3 million children are injured each year. Of the few million injured American children, more than 775,000 are treated in emergency rooms for sports-related injuries. Children ages 5 to 14 account for nearly 40% of all sports injuries treated in hospitals.

Child Sports Injuries Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries

Death from a sports injury is rare, but the leading cause of a sports-related death is a brain injury. Sports and recreational activities lead to around 21% of all traumatic brain injuries among American minors. The sports with the greatest danger of causing head injuries are bicycling, skateboarding, and skating.

Concussion-related health issues have been all over the news lately. Even though parents sign school liability release forms, there can be exceptions if an injury results because of negligence. This can include a coach pushing an athlete too much, improper gear (such as a defective football helmet), insufficient supervision, poor training, inadequate medical care, or unsafe premises such as playing fields or courts.

Additionally, the following sports are associated with child injuries:

• Football
• Basketball
• Baseball and Softball
• Bicycling
• Cheerleading
• Skateboarding
• Trampolines

Texas Summer Sports and Heatstroke

There are several forms of heat-induced illness including heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stress, and heat stroke. The most dangerous of these is heat stroke, which occurs when the body temperature rises above 104.˚ Heat stroke can be deadly, and in our scorching Texas summers, the heat coupled with dehydration can seriously injure your sports-loving kids.

Texas Sports Injury Lawyers

Certainly, there are risks in most every sport. However, many injuries can be prevented with better supervision. Furthermore, when a child is injured, it is vital that coaches and trainers take timely action to address the injury and potential complications. This is especially true when a child suffers a head injury. If your child has been injured in a sports-related activity, contact The Gutierrez Law Firm for help with your case.