Child Sports Injury Attorneys in New Jersey
Proudly serving all of New Jersey
If Your Child Was Injured Playing Sports, You May Have a Claim
Many parents have fond memories of playing sports in their youth, and are excited when their children decide to participate in a sport. In today’s world of technology, participating in youth sports is a great way for children to exercise and build positive habits for a lifetime of good health. But what are your rights as a parent when the unthinkable happens and your child is injured during a practice or game?
It could be that a coach or adult supervisor was negligent in taking care of your child, and in that case, they are legally responsible for your child’s medical bills. At an emotional and stressful time like this, you can contact the NJ child injury attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., by calling (609) 240-0040. We will schedule a free consultation and help you to understand your rights and the rights of your child. We have over 25 years of experience in the New Jersey area, and we are parents ourselves. We will review your case and offer our services if your child is entitled to compensation.
Common Sports Injuries
Fortunately, most children suffer nothing worse than strains, sprains, bruises, and abrasions while playing sports. But serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and concussions aren’t rare. With what we are learning nowadays about the long-term impact of head injuries, even after your child has received medical treatment, there is a lingering concern that the injury will have a permanent impact on your child.
Can Someone Be Held Accountable for a Sports Injury?
One of the most difficult legal factors to overcome in a youth sports injury case is parental consent. Almost every recreation league, school team, or little league organization requires parents to sign a consent form or waiver. This document is proof that the parents and child understand the inherent risks involved in the sport and accept responsibility for any injuries. But that does not absolve the school, coaches, or organization of all responsibility.
Consent forms and waivers are directed at the injuries that can arise in the scope of the sport, but do not cover injuries that occur outside that scope. For example, if a league allows exceptionally rough play that is normally considered outside the rules of the sport, then the league can be held accountable.
Coaches and instructors can also be held liable if they were using inappropriate coaching or instructional methods. This includes using certain types of punishment that can push children beyond their limits. One example would be forcing the child to keep running in hot conditions to the point of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Physically abusing a child, failing to remove an injured child from play, or failing to seek appropriate medical attention for a child would all be the responsibility of the supervisory staff, and if they neglect this duty and a child is hurt, that would make them liable for any injuries to the child.
Seeking Compensation
When your child is injured, your first concern is getting the proper medical care and cost is not a consideration. But as the medical bills begin to add up, you can find yourself in a financial bind. In the state of New Jersey, you can seek compensation for all of your child’s medical bills related to the injury as well as your lost wages while you were providing care for your child, if your child’s injury was due to someone else’s negligence. In addition, you can also request compensation for the pain and suffering your child feels or for future medical expenses related to the injury, if it poses a lifelong impact.
Caring for your injured child will place a great deal of stress on you as a parent. There is no reason to add to that stress by trying to negotiate compensation from the people who are responsible for your child’s injuries. Speak to the compassionate New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., and let us help. A single call to (609) 240-0040 can schedule your free consultation to determine if our team can assist you in seeking compensation for your child.
Additional Information
The firm’s principals, Gabriel R. Lependorf and David E. Silverstein, have each been representing injured victims in the State of New Jersey for over thirty years.
Call Our Office At (609) 240-0040 Today for Help
