Frequently Asked Questions
How common are sports related injuries in children in Massachusetts?
A:
With more than 30 million children taking part in organized sports, child sports injuries are becoming more common with more than 3.5 million children ages 14 and under suffering injury each year. While most of these child sports injuries are minor scrapes and strained muscles, more severe injuries can and do occur. If your child has suffered a severe sports injury you should consult with a Massachusetts child injury attorney to determine your options.
The most common child sports injuries include:
- Sprains and strains;
- Scrapes and cuts;
- Bruises and bumps;
- Growth plate injuries (the long bones in the body);
- Repetitive motion injuries; and
- Heat-related injuries (dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke)
More serious child sports injuries include traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. Sports-related injury accounts for approximately 21% of all traumatic brain injuries in children each year, and most sports-related deaths are from these injuries. Spinal cord injuries are also life-impacting as they can cause permanent paralysis.
To help prevent common child sports injuries you should make sure your child is ready both physically and mentally to participate in organized sports. They should be old enough to have good coordination and motor skills, as well as be able to follow group instruction and work in a team setting.
Make sure your child’s coach is aware of any medical needs your child may have and that they keep a list of emergency contacts on hand should your child be injured during participation. An adult with proper first aid and CPR training should be present at all games and practices, and a first aid kit should be handy at all times.
If your child suffers a child sports injury while playing organized sports do not take even minor injuries lightly. A blow to the head may not seem like much more than a bump at first, but some traumatic brain injuries are not apparent until hours or even days after the initial injury. Some spinal cord injuries can also be dormant for several days before numbness or nerve damage set in. You should take your child to a medical professional to examine their injuries before they become severe.
Your children are precious to you and your family and a serious child sports injury can be a life-changing event. If your child has suffered severe injury due to an accident participating in organized sports, contact the Massachusetts child injury attorneys at the Kiley Law Group. If a lawsuit is necessary to obtain compensation for your child’s medical bills, our skilled child injury team will prepare your case for trial – even if it settles beforehand. For more information, contact us today – 1-888-208-1695.
