Types of Sports Injuries

Each year, millions of adults and children participate in organized sports in the United States. Unfortunately, many of these athletes sustain serious injuries while engaging sports. Although, most of these injuries are accidental, sometimes they are caused by the negligent actions of another person or entity. Even if you signed a waiver of liability for yourself or your child, there can be exceptions if the injury was the result of another partys negligence.

If you or a loved one has suffered a sport injury, you may be eligible for legal and financial recourse. Contact one of our reputable personal injury attorneys to explore your legal options.

To find out if you are eligible to file a legal claim in regards to a sports injury, fill out the Free Case Review form on this page.

Common Sports Injuries

Sports injuries vary by the specific sport, the intensity of the competition and the age of the athlete. Certain sports are commonly associated with specific injuries. However, there are certain injuries that are common across the board. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports that the following are some of the most common sports injuries:

Sprain and Strains

When an individual stretches or tears a ligament it is considered to be a sprain. While a strain is when a muscle or tendon has been stretched or torn. Sprains and strains are the most common injuries sustained during sports. A common treatment for sprains and strains includes R.I.C.E., which is an acronym for rest, ice, compression and elevation. A doctor may also recommend that the athlete take an over-the-counter painkiller.

Knee Injuries

The knee is the largest joint in the body and also one that is easily injured. Knee injuries can range from a mild strain to a torn ligament. The treatment for an injured knee depends on the severity of the injury, the location, activity level of the individual, and their age. Severe knee injuries such as a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) may require surgery.

Swollen Muscles

Muscle swelling occurs due to an injury of the muscle. This can be caused by direct trauma or from a muscles strain. It is not uncommon for direct trauma to the muscle to occur in contact sports such as football or hockey. The impact of the trauma can result in damage to the muscle fibers.

Achilles Tendon Injuries

An Achilles tendon injury results from a stretch, tear, or irritation to the tendon connecting the calf muscle to the back of the heel. These types of injuries can happen suddenly and cause agonizing pain. These types of injuries happen in sports that use quick acceleration such as football, basketball and gymnastics.

Shin Splints/Shin Pain

Another injury that is commonly sustained by athletes is shin splints. Shin splints is term that is widely used to refer to pain along the shin bone. These injuries can occur from overusing or incorrectly using the lower leg. This injury is mainly seen in runners.

Bone Fractures

Bone fractures can occur either from a one-time injury to the bone (acute fractures) or from repeated stress to the bone over time (stress fractures). Acute fractures happen when more pressure is put on the bone than it can withstand. Typically, stress fractures occur in the feet and legs due to repetitive impact. Gymnasts and runners are susceptible to stress fractures.

Dislocations

A dislocation occurs when two bones that come together to form a joint become separated. Dislocation injuries frequently happen in contact and high-impact sports. Joints that are commonly dislocated include elbows, knees and hips. Athletes that sustain a dislocation need to seek medical treatment immediately.

Catastrophic Sports Injuries

While catastrophic sports injuries are rare, when they do occur the results are devastating. Catastrophic injuries are sports injuries that causes a fatality, brain or spinal cord injury or skull or spinal fracture. These injuries can be divided into two categories direct or indirect injuries. Direct injuries occur from direct participation in the skills of the sport. Indirect injuries are due to an indirect non-contact systemic failure as the result of the physical exertion put forth during the sport. Athletes in the following sports are more likely to suffer a catastrophic injury:

• Football
• Cheerleading
• Wrestling
• Soccer
• Track and Field
• Baseball

Contact a Florida Sports Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured while playing a sport, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and other losses associated with the injury. Contact a knowledgeable sports injury attorney at Gordon & Partners to learn about the legal rights available to injury victims.

our attorneys have the experience and resources to skillfully litigate sport injury cases. Over the years, our law has helped numerous clients receive favorable outcomes for their legal claims.

To schedule a no obligation legal consultation, complete the contact form on the right.