Our Family Has Given A Voice To The Injured For Over 50 Combined Years
Fall brings on new sports programs, new challenges to pushing the limits, and the risk of injury. For families who send their child out on the high school football field, nothing can be more exhilarating on a Friday night under the lights. Yet, no matter which sports your child is in, there is a risk of suffering serious injury.
At Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP, our Newark sports injury lawyer is there to help when something goes very wrong and your child suffers injuries. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about what your rights are.
Why Fall Sports Injuries Are a Growing Concern in New Jersey
Many children head out to start the new school year on the field, court, or track with the goal of winning big and pushing themselves to new levels. You, as a parent, rely on coaches and doctors to ensure that your child is safe while they are out there. Yet, football, soccer, cheerleading, and other fall sports pose a significant risk of injury for young athletes.
A recent study found that, among the 8 million children who participate in sports activities, approximately 15,531 of them suffer significant injuries. Many of these injuries happen as a result of an accident, and some may not be avoided. Others, though, could be with proper training and precautions.
Some of the most common types of injuries suffered by young athletes include:
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations
When these injuries happen, getting medical care is a priority. After that, knowing what went wrong becomes important.
School and District Responsibility
Is the school responsible if your child suffers a serious injury during gym class? Could the athletic department be responsible if a child suffers a cardiac arrest on a football field? They could be, but the details make the biggest difference here.
These organizations owe your child and you a duty of care. That means that they should provide:
- Safety equipment that is in good working order.
- Trained and, in some cases, certified professionals, including staff members, coaches, and trainers.
- Proper supervision to ensure young athletes are engaging in activities in a safe manner.
In situations where injuries happen, it becomes necessary to consider the cause and then determine if there was anything the school, trainers, or others could have done to eliminate that risk. When schools fail to follow established state safety guidelines, they could be held accountable. Yet, proving things like a high school football injury liability in NJ is not simple. To prove school responsibility for sports injuries in NJ, we must be able to determine that they breached the duty of care.
Coaching Negligence
Another key concern that creates enhanced risk to young athletes is coaching negligence in New Jersey. A coach could be held accountable for the child’s injuries and losses if they did something or failed to do something that could have prevented the injury.
For example, if a coach made athletes engage in unsafe drills or they ignored symptoms of injury, they could be liable for the injuries and losses the child suffers. Pushing athletes to push through pain is another common concern.
Consider a hot summer day in New Jersey. A football coach, pushing teens to perform at a higher level, often pushes practice for longer hours, failing to provide proper hydration, which can lead to fainting spells or, in the worst outcome, cardiac events due to electrolyte deficiencies. The coach would be liable for this type of injury to a student athlete.
What Are Concussion Protocols in Newark, New Jersey?
New Jersey’s concussion protocol law aims to minimize one of the most common types of injuries to youth. Concussions occur when the brain moves quickly in the skull, slamming against the interior walls and suffering damage. Concussions can happen in traumatic events, such as in tackles in football, rugby, or wrestling, or in high-speed clashes or head injuries.
Laws state that a baseline must be created for each student. Then, whenever a child is hit in the head, they must follow the protocol, which involves asking questions and evaluating the student’s abilities against pre-established guidelines. When there is risk, medical care is essential. Without immediate removal from play, a medical evaluation, and then clearance before return, the school or coach could be held accountable. This could lead to the pursuit of a youth sports concussion lawsuit in New Jersey.
Other Potentially Liable Parties
Numerous parties could be responsible for your child’s injuries, such as:
- Athletic associations
- Referees
- Organizations hosting tournaments
- Equipment manufacturers for defective gear
- Trainers and sideline medics who fail to provide proper care
If you believe any of these parties contributed to your injuries, it is time to seek legal guidance. Working with a student athlete injury attorney in NJ will help pinpoint every party that could be liable.
Steps Parents Should Take After a Sports Injury
If your child was hurt during practice or a game, take the following steps:
- Get medical help immediately. Do not wait until the end of the game.
- Document what happened as thoroughly as possible.
- Follow through with recommended rehabilitation and treatment.
- Protecting your child’s brain and overall health is your objective beyond anything else. That often means seeking legal guidance.
FAQs About New Jersey School Sports Injuries
Will schools pay for my child’s medical bills?
It is not likely that the school will cover accident-related medical bills. However, if they are at fault, your attorney can help you pursue them.
I signed a waiver for my child’s athletic program. Can I still sue?
If we can prove negligence and a breach of duty of care, you still have a case.
How can I find out if I have a legal case after a student injury?
Let our legal team investigate. You can start with a free consultation to learn more.
Contact Our Newark Personal Injury Lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP for Skilled Representation
When your child is hurt in a school or youth sports activity, you should not have to battle school boards or insurance companies on your own. Our Newark personal injury lawyers will investigate what happened, determine liability, and serve as your dedicated advocates every step of the way. At Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP, we fight to protect families. Call us today at 973-675-8277 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in East Orange, New Jersey, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.
