Sports Injuries Raise Questions About Liability
By: CPR @ Jan 07, 2016
Football has recently gained some negative attention in light of players suffering high rates of brain injuries, including concussions, resulting in life-long impairments, neurological complications, and potentially premature death. But a recent article published in Philly.com states that while football may be dangerous, it is not the most dangerous sport there is. Instead, as the article reads, men’s wrestling poses the highest risk of injury for male college athletes.
The Statistics: Football vs. Wrestling and Injuries
According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the overall injury rate in NCAA football is 8.1 injuries per 1,000 athletic exposures (which includes all games and practices). The most common types of injuries reported are ligament strains, followed by concussions.
The rate of injury for male wrestlers in college is higher, according to data on injuries suffered by NCAA athletes in 25 sports, and published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. According to the data, the injury rate for male college wrestlers is just over 13 injuries per 1,000 athletic exposures. Researchers also found that athletes were at a higher risk of suffering injuries during practices than they were during competition, but that those injuries suffered during competition tended to be more severe than did injuries suffered during practice.
Who Is Liable for a Sports Injury?
Determining who is liable for athletic injuries is a hard question, especially when the injury is severe. The answer may depend on where the athlete lives, and how the injury occurs. For example, in California, a 2012 law established a student bill of rights that mandates that the state’s Pac-12 universities pay for students’ medical expenses when injuries occur, according to an article in the Portland Press Herald. In states where such laws are not in place, however, universities may be less keen to pay for injured athletes’ medical expenses. This fact has left many injured athletes, and their families, financially devastated. The NCAA currently has no bylaws in place mandating that healthcare services for athletes be provided.
Seeking Compensation after a Sports Injury
While the university where the injury occurs may not have an underlying obligation to pay for a student’s sports-related injury, if the school at all contributed to the injury through an act of negligence, then the school may be held liable in a civil action.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You
After you have been injured while playing a college sport, the last thing that you probably want to worry about is taking legal action against the school for which you play. However, contacting an attorney and filing a claim may be the only way to recover the money that you need to pay for your medical expenses and costs of living after an accident occurs.
At the law firm of Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C. our experienced Pennsylvania injury attorneys will do everything we can to help you get back on your feet again after a college sports injury occurs. To learn more, contact our firm today to schedule your free case consultation at (215) 567-3500.
