Fatal sports injuries are possible outcomes for those who participate in sports. It’s nearly impossible to find a Californian who isn’t participating in some form of activity, whether it’s skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, surfing in the Pacific Ocean, or playing basketball on the Venice Beach courts.
Sports, unfortunately, can be a hazard in some circumstances, causing fatal sports injuries. This article will discuss sports injuries in California and the legal options that may be open to you or a loved one who sustains a sports injury.
How Many People in California Play Sports?
It goes without saying that Californians love sports. California is home to some of the most successful collegiate sports teams in the country as well as many professional sports franchises, the most of any state in the union. Generally, the most well-known people from California frequently attend sports games.
But how many individuals in California actually take part in sports? It might be challenging to keep tabs on the number of sports participants. After all, no one is conducting surveys in people’s own backyards, sandlots, and neighborhood basketball fields.
However, high school participation rates might offer some indication of how well-liked sports are in a given state. According to California law, at the end of each academic year, all public, primary, secondary, and charter schools that provide competitive sports must publish information on student participation.
Statistics on Common Sports Injuries
The sport a person plays has a significant impact on the type of injury they are most likely to sustain.
For instance, baseball players who repeatedly toss balls and swing heavy bats sometimes suffer from shoulder ailments. Football players, on the other hand, who are constantly tackled at full speed, are more prone to head injuries.
Here are some examples of the most common sports injuries:
- A sprain or a strain
- Knee problems
- Enlarged muscles
- Injury to the Achilles tendon
- Injury to the rotator cuff
- Fractures
- Dislocations
Severe sports injuries, however less frequent, include:
- Traumatic encephalopathy
- Spinal cord damage
- Death
Who is Responsible for a Sporting Injury/Death?
There is always a possibility of injury in sports activities. In some cases, you won’t be able to get compensation, but it is always a good idea to contact an attorney if you have an injury.
If your harm is caused by actions that go beyond what is generally expected for the activity, however, a number of people may be liable, depending on the facts.
A sports injury may result in legal action against the following parties:
- Schools and other groups that coach
- Various players
- Manufacturers
- Health practitioners
Negligence is the most frequent legal theory in situations involving sports injuries. You must establish the following components in order to demonstrate that someone else’s negligence led to your sports injury:
- You owed the defendant a duty of care. Most of the time, the defendant has an obligation to use “due care.” However, the defendant may owe you a more specific duty of care in some circumstances.
- The defendant failed to uphold the necessary standard of care. If the defendant, for instance, encouraged you to return to a football game after you displayed clear indicators of having a concussion, they would be in violation of the statutory duty of care.
- The violation directly caused harm to the plaintiff. The defendant must have violated the law in a way that caused you injury.
Contact a Los Angeles Attorney Today
If you have been injured or someone you love has wrongfully died, contact our office for a consultation. Further, feel free to also visit our other website for more information on other cases we assist in. Call us at 310.943.1171.