Child Injury Lawyer Blog

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Over the last 10 years, professionals have seen an increase in head injuries of basketball players. Head injuries, include concussions and head fractures. The question remains, has basketball become more of a contact sport or are coaches and professional just better at recognizing sports related head injuries? According to an article posted in "Pediatrics", the increase in reported injuries may be due to better recognition by coaches and trainers of these types of head injuries.

It is important to be able to recognize head trauma in athletes. What seems like a little bump to the head may be a serious head injury. It is important to recognize early signs of head trauma. Sometimes, signs of a head injury may be very subtle. Athletes may complain of headaches. The athlete may have a brief memory loss or the even may seem confused. Some athletes will complain of feeling pressure in the head after suffering a blow to the head. Dizziness, slurred speech, nausea or vomiting, ringing in the ears, can all be signs of a head trauma. Some signs of a head trauma can develop over the next day or two.

Coaches and trainers are being encouraged to assess head injuries on the spot. The Sports Concussion Assessment (SCAT), is a tool for coaches and trainers to use to help evaluate head injuries. The SCAT contains several questions, such as recite the months of the year, that will help assess the severity of the injury.

If you suspect that your child has suffered a head injury, it is important to have the injury assessed and evaluated by a doctor. It is important to seek immediate medical attention, head injuries can be very serious. Do not allow your child resume playing any sport until all head injury symptoms have disappeared. For more information see ">Traumatic Brain Injuries and Basketball- Important Information for Parents and Coaches Involved in Youth Sports.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

According to the professionals at the Children's Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, sports related knee injuries in children are on the rise. The overall number of torn meniscus injuries have grown over 400% in the year 2011 compared to the number of meniscus injuries in 1999. Doctors are also seeing and increase in torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) in youths that participate in sports. Doctors are attributing the injury increase to the the fact that many children are playing sports year round. A torn ACL can be a serious injury and may sideline a young athlete for several months. This type of injury can possibly affect the growth of a child.

Many sports injuries are preventable. It is important to be in proper physical condition regardless of the sport you play. Make sure your children understand the rules of the sport they are playing and the follow those rules. Your child should wear properly fitting sports specific protective gear. Warm up and stretching will also help reduce sports injury. Remember, your child should never play when you are experiencing pain. Pain usually is a sign that something is wrong. Make sure your children listen to there bodies. For more information see, Sports injuries- Increase of Knee Injuries in Youth Athletics.

By Steven Smith, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

An Oswego County, New York high school student died from injuries suffered in a high school football game. Ridge M. Barden, a 16 year old student at Birdlebough High school, suffered severe head trauma when he made helmet- to - helmet contact with another football player. Braden complained of a severe headache and collapsed on the field shortly after the collision. School officials and paramedics were on the scene and transported the teen to a local Syracuse, New York hospital about 30 minutes away. Braden's condition worsened during transport. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The autopsy of the teen revealed that he suffered a massive sub-dural bleed after colliding with another football player. The police has ruled this tragic death as an accident.

When your child plays an organized sport it is important that they always wear the sport specific equipment. The equipment should fit properly and be inspected for defects. If your child suffers a blow to the head, make sure that they are checked out by the sports medical team. The organization sponsoring the sporting event should have a well established emergency plan to deal with this type of head injury. Helmet- to- helmet contact is no longer accepted in the National Football league. Professional football players have received large fines for violating this rule. Make sure you child understands the risks of helmet- to - helmet contact. For more information see, Helmet to Helmet Play Leads to Serious Head Injury and Death For High School Football Player.

By Michael P. Healy, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A five year old Oahu, Hawaii child suffered severe head trauma as a result of playing tackle football. This child was transported to the hospital in critical condition, where he slipped into a coma. Oahu Pop Warner football, recently introduced a Mighty Mite division, ages 5-7, tackle football program. Pop Warner Officials claim that compared to soccer there are much less sports related injuries.

Many professionals are questioning if age 5 is too young to play tackle football. According to Pop Warner Statistics, about 250,000 children participate in Pop Warner programs around the country. Medical professionals report that 250,000 children visit the Emergency Room each year. Of these visits, 100,000 have suffered from a concussion.

According to the Director for Trauma Services at the Queens Medical center, football is a contact sport. He also warns that a bump or hit to the head can not only bench your child , but is can also cause learning deficits.

When your child plays a sport it is important to make sure your child is always wearing the appropriate sport specific equipment. This equipment should fit properly and be inspected for defects throughout the season. If your child is playing an organized sport check with the program regarding their athletic training program. Make sure that the program has complete emergency plans in case of an injury. For more information see, Concerns Over Pop Warner Football For Young Children in Hawaii and Other States.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Millions of children participate in youth sports every year. Generally, participating in a team sport is a fun and pleasant experience. It can also be a great learning experience for a child. Team sports can help teach leadership, team work, and sportsmanship. In some instances, participating in youth sports leads to serious personal injuries including but not limited to concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Safety is key to preventing or reducing the severity of head injuries when a child is participating in youth sports.

The Center for Disease Control reports that a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a jolt, blow, or bump to the head that, in turn, changes or affects the manner in which the brain functions or operates. At times, the signs and symptoms of a concussion are difficult to observe. It is important for coaches, parents, and officials to be on the look out for the signs and symptoms of a concussion or TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). See Managing Concussions in Children's Sports.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A 17 year old Georgia high school football player from Acworth, Georgia in Cobb County was charged with battery after he allegedly attacked an opposing team member. The alleged attack occurred during a football game between Loganville Christian Academy and Northside Christian Academy. Adam Chumley, a lineman from Northside Christian Acadamy pulled off the helmet of Jarrett Briscoe age 14. Chumley began beating Brsicoe in the in the head causing a possible concussion, headaches, vomiting and nausea. The incident happened during the game in which Loganville Christian Academy was leading, 33-0.

Unlike assault, battery involves actual contact. Participating in a football game or other organized does not give players free reign to assault and batter opposing players. This is true for high school sports. Coaches, referees, and parents should encourage and support sportsmanship and fair play. Otherwise the player can suffer serious personal injuries that result from excessive violence rather than the play of the game. For more information on Georgia High School Football Player May Face Criminal Charges For "Battery" Committed During Football.

By Scott Zahler, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

After two Georgia high school football players died during practices of 90-plus degree heat, authorities began to explore whether the hot weather contributed to the death of these athletes. The nation’s largest pediatrician group says that healthy children and teen athletes can play sports in hot, steamy weather, but only if precautions are taken.

In fact, new research shows that with adequate training, water intake, time-outs and emergency treatment available on the sidelines, healthy young athletes can play even in high heat and humidity — within reason. However, government data showed that 3,000 young teens were treated in the emergency room for non-fatal heat illnesses from sports or exercise from 2001 to 2009. In addition, throughout the last 13 years, 29 high school football players died from heat stroke, according to the American Football Coaches Association.

Dr. Michael Bergeron, a University of South Dakota sports medicine specialist, says that any child, if overworked in even 80 degree weather, can suffer sever injuries, if not death. He recommends that people be evaluated individually to see if they can play in hot weather.

When dealing with sports and hot temperatures, teams should have emergency plans with trained personnel and treatment available and policies for avoiding heat illness. Coaches should give kids about two weeks to adapt to preseason sessions, gradually increasing intensity and duration. They should also closely monitor more vulnerable kids, including those who are overweight or have diabetes. Coaches should make sure athletes are well-hydrated before practice or games. Specifically, kids aged 9-12, should drink about half a cup to a cup of water every 20 minutes during activities. Teens should drink 5 or 6 cups an hour during activity. Furthermore, sports drinks containing electrolytes and sodium should be offered during extra strenuous activity. Finally, teams and coaches should educate players and parents about signs of heat stress, including dizziness, muscle cramps, headaches and nausea; and kids with symptoms should be sidelined and treated immediately. Athletes should also be encouraged to report if teammates seem to be struggling.

For more information about heat stroke, athletes, symptoms, and preventions, see Sports in Heat—Ok With Precautions.

By Robert Chaiken, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Doctors in Texas believe that incidents of child eye injuries increase during the summer months. Doctors in Permian Basin said it could be anything from the lack of adult supervision to the lack of safety eye wear that contributes to an increase of child injuries under the age of 16.

Isai Garay, 12-years-old, lost his vision in one of his eyes due to a BB Gun accident at a friend’s house. He was cleaning the gun and thought it was unloaded. Garay pulled the trigger and the be-be came out, which caused him to go legally blind in one eye. His mother, Maria Garay, said that the thought of her son not being able to see out of one eye gave her chills. Doctor Gerado Escobedo performed cataract surgery on Garay, which helped him to see again.

Garay was one of the hundreds of children that come to the clinic during the summer with eye-related injuries. Doctors said there is a five percent increase during the summer with cases involving eye injuries similar to Garay. Escobedo said that sports injuries are also reasons for eye-related injuries. He said, “Most of the time you don’t wear something until you have an eye poked out.” Fortunately, 90 percent of these eye injuries can be prevented if proper safety precautions are taken. For more information on this topic, see Child Eye Injury Increase During the Summer 7/22/11.

By George Fusner, Jr., Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Amber Kendrick, 12-years-old, was tragicallly killed during a hit and run horseback riding accident when a motorist struck her horse in Madison County, Tennessee. According to the Madison Country Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred in the 200 block of Diamond Cove Road. A truck was traveling northbound when it struck a horse being ridden by Kendrick and Matthew Webb. The collision caused Kendrick to be ejected from the horse. Investigators said the truck continued north and struck a second horse being ridden by 20-year-old John Thomas Gobbell.

Allegedly, the driver of the truck stopped after the crash, removed the license plate from the vehicle and fled the scene. Kendrick was taken to Jackson-Madison County General Hospital where she was sadly pronounced dead. The other riders, Webb and Gobbell sustained minor injuries, and both of the horses died after the crash.

According to statistics, an estimated 30 million people ride horses each year in the United States. However, more than 2,300 riders under the age of 25 are sent to the hospital for treatment because of horseback-riding injuries. Believe it or not, horseback riding carries a higher risk of injury than motorcycling: on average, motorcyclists suffer an injury once every 7000 hours of riding whereas a horseback rider may have a serious injury accident once every 350 hours. The most common type of horseback riding related injuries are bruises, strains and sprains which affect the soft tissues (skin, ligaments, tendons, and muscles). Other types of injuries often include fractures, dislocations and concussions. For more information on this topic, see 12-year-old killed in hit and run horseback riding accident.

By Scott A. Marks, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In California and other States, boating can be a fun activity for family and friends. Boating can also be a dangerous activity and even a deadly one when a boat capsizes. Because of these dangers and others, it is important to have safety precautions in place including but not limited to life jackets, life preservers, inflatable boats (room permitting and when available), first aid training, and captain / operator training. Near San Diego, California, it was reported that a sailboat capsized leading to the dead of two men and injuries to several other people who were in the boat. The incident took place in San Diego Bay. THe United States Coast Guard, harbor police, firefighters, and paramedics responded to the rescue and post rescue efforts. See Two Dead - 8 Injured - Sailboat Sinks off of San Diego, California.

By Sara J. Powell, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Due to the increasing awareness of youth-athelete concussions, Arizona lawmakers are set to consider a bill that aims to curb the problems presented by concussions in youth athletes. Senate Bill 1521 would impose new restrictions on youth athletes who sustain sports-related brain injuries. Specifically, SB1521 would require any youth who suffers a concussion, either in competition or practice, to be removed from the game or other competition immediately. Before the youth athlete would be able to return to play, he or she would need to be checked and cleared by a doctor or qualified health-care professional. A significant problem with youth concussions is that players are returned to the game before the concussion or other head injury has had adequate time to heal. When the youth is returned to play prematurely he or she becomes more susceptible to sustaining a second concussion or personal injury, which can lead to brain swelling or even death. Concussions can affect a youth's sleeping and behavioral patters, as well as pose thinking and memory challenges. For more on the new law please see Arizona lawmakers set to decide on law that will impose restrictions on youth athletics and raise concussion-awareness.

By Robert Fernicola, Attorney, Steven Smith, Attorney, and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

With increasing public awareness about head injuries due to game-related impact, it is no surprise that state legislatures are enacting laws to help protect youth athletes from sports-related brain injuries. With the start of the new year, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed into law a concussion bill that will create a comprehensive awareness and prevention program about these types of injuries. According to research from the Nationwide Children's Hospital and Ohio State University, there were nearly 400,000 concussions in high school athletics during the 2008-2009 school year. The same research study also concluded that 16% of football players who sustained concussions, which were severe enough to lose consciousness, were back on the field the same day. Most youth athletes are so eager to play that they downplay severe injuries. Coaches, parents, and guardians are also failing to recognize the severity of the youths' personal injuries. The main problem with downplaying or not recognizing serious injuries is that the injured youth becomes susceptible to Second Impact Syndrome. SIS is where the rain swells from a second concussion before fully recovering from the first, which causes pressure on the brainstem and can cause coma, brain damage and even death. The goal from these programs is to ensure the youth athletes can handle simple physical challenges and exercises before putting them back into play. For more on this topic see State legislatures enact laws to protect youth athletes from brain injury.

By Sara J. Powell, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The proper anchoring of bounce houses is vital to the safety of children in Arizona and other States. Some weather can be predicted with the daily forecast. Of course, there are times when an unexpected or sudden weather event takes place and wreaks havoc in an area. In Marana, Arizona, it was reported that a "microburst" took place and picked up a bounce house that was being used by a 10 year old girl and a 7 year old girl. The 10 year old girl was carried for over 100 feet before she then fell out of the bounce house structure. It was reported that the girl suffered serious head lacerations and other injuries.

A microburst is a localized column of sinking air. It has been compared to an upside down tornado. When the microburst hits the ground, its force and effects then spreads from there. Microburst last for a few seconds and are forceful enough to uproot fully grown trees. See Microburst.

When bounce houses are in place, they should be properly anchored to withstand the local weather conditions and otherwise be compliant with manufacturer recommendations. Bounce house operators and those renting bounce houses should always focus on safety over all other party concerns.

By Anthony Ferguson, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Maine and Other States, people enjoy the sport of snow skiing and snow boarding. Most injuries are suffered while attempting to maneuver the slopes. There are risks associated with snow boarding and snow skiing. Of course, the level of risks depends on the following: condition of the slope, steep or level of the slope, weather conditions, experience of the skier, presence and ski level of other skiers / snow boarders, and other factors. There are also risks with the travel to and from the slopes through the use of ski lifts. In Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine, a lift broke leaving some visitors injured and others trapped for a time period. It was reported that 9 visitors were injured and 200 were trapped. You can read more about this story at Skiers Trapped and Injured in Maine.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Some parents are calling hockey rings "arenas of aggression," and there may be some truth to the novel nickname. One parent of a youth hockey player said his 12-year-old child had already sustained three concussions and multiple neck and back personal injuries. Most parents are unaware of the significant, long-term damage concussions can have on children, mainly because the brain is still in developmental stages during one's youth.

Dr. Michael Cusimano, a neurosurgeon at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, stated that body checking is the most common form of personal injury among youth hockey players. In fact, body checking causes 86% of all personal injuries sustained by youth hockey players between the ages of 9 to 15. Currently, Dr. Cusimano is conducting research to detect the differences between the periods of when body checking was prohibited and now. His research reveals that the lower the ages in the youth athlete the occurrence of concussions increases ten-fold.

Below are a list of symptoms to determine whether or not your child has sustained a concussion: headache, nausea, dizziness, trouble with lights and sounds and memory problems. Some symptoms can be less subtle such as with a child's concentration or memory.

Another thing parents should be aware of is that if a child sustains a head injury and is returned to play before the initial injury has had adequate time to heal, the child athlete's chances of sustaining a secondary, more severe and long-term personal injury increases greatly. If you would like to read more on this topic please see Body checking becoming a problem in youth hockey.

Parents should insist that all coaches and trainers go through mandatory training to increase knowledge about and prevention tips on concussions. Concussions are brain injuries and need to be taken seriously and dealt with properly so the young, developing brains of youth athletes will not be permanently damaged.

By Scott A. Marks, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The Staples Center is the home of the Los Angeles Lakers NBA basketball team. The Staples Center is also the focal point of an investigation regarding the death of a 2 year old boy (Lucas Anthony Tang) who fell from a luxury suite while attending the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. The incident took place on November 21, 2010 when Lucas fell over a low wall in one of the luxury suites at the Staples Center. The fall incident took place from the third level top tier of the luxury suite just minutes after the game ended in a victory for the Lakers.

It was reported that the parents were looking for the boy just prior to the fall.

Safety precautions for children should be put in place if children are known to be in a certain area. Children have poor safety awareness and will climb, jump, or otherwise put themselves in a dangerous position. Because of these known tendencies of children. spectator areas should be designed to prevent children from harm's way. Of course, a parent has a duty to supervise; however, it is not unreasonable for a parent to assume that an area is safe if is open to the public including children.

The Los Angeles Police and possibly other entities will investigate this matter to determine how the incident took place and if any safety precautions should have or could have been implemented prior to this tragic death of the toddler. See Police Investigating Tragic Death of 2 Year Old From Fall at Staples Center.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Child athletes sustain concussions more frequently than the average parent or coach would imagine. For example, take the recent situation of 11-year-old Rachel Ernst. Rachel was playing in a soccer game when Rachel and an opponent jumped for the ball, missing the ball and hitting each others skulls instead. After a trip to the emergency room, Rachel was diagnosed with a mild concussion. She is now one of a dozen youth athletes that are participating in a local study aimed to reveal the consequences of concussions in teens and children.

A main goal of the local research is to make youth sports safer for young athletes, as well as provide doctors, parents and coaches on whether it is safe to bring the injured child back into play. Recently, concussions have become a hot topic. A study reported in the August edition of Pediatrics revealed that although the number of children participating in team sports had declined, the number of children between the ages of 8-13 who were treated for concussions while playing team sports doubled from 1997 to 2007. For older children, the number of reported concussions more than doubled.

Because of the increased awareness about the dangers of concussions coaches and athletic trainers are becoming more educated on spotting the warning signs that a youth player has sustained a concussion. Also, many teams are starting to require that a child athlete sit out for a week or two after sustaining a concussion. If you would like to read more on this topic please see Dangers of concussions to youth athletes.

The more educated parents and coaches become about the risks involved after a young athlete sustained a concussion the safer sports will be for youth athletes. If not diagnosed or treated early enough the consequences could be severe - sometimes permanent brain damage could occur. Therefore, education and awareness is key to prevention. If you would like to read more information on concussions and youth athletes please see Parents Lack Important Knowledge and Experience Regarding Dangers of Concussions to Children.

By Will Lewis, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Rock climbing and wall climbing are very popular activities for children. When participating in these activities, safety is a must. The wall should be securely anchored and all children should wear harnesses. In addition, adult supervision is key to keeping children safe. It is well known that children do not always appreciate the dangers of a particular activity. As such, adult supervision is necessary not only for instruction but also to make sure that children do not venture into areas or stunts that can lead to serious personal injuries.

In Lakeside, Montana, the Associated Press reported that a climbing wall collapsed at a church camp. The incident resulted in 8 children being treating at a local hospital. Injuries included fractured bones and bruising.

It was reported that the wall was 8 feet long. There were no details as to what safety measures were put in place at this climbing wall. While some incidents are completely unexpected and cannot be foreseen, many incidents involving injuries to children can be avoided with attention to detail as to the set up of the wall and as to the supervision of children on the wall or apparatus. You can read more about this story at Montana Church - Climbing Wall Collapse Leads to Injuries.

By Robert Chaiken, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The parents of Ryan Spence, a youth football player, are suing the North Texas Football Association, an affiliated association and two coaches. According to a report in the Forth Worth Star-Telegram, the complaint alleges that in November 2008, Ryan's football coach swung a tackling dummy toward Ryan's legs during a drill in order to teach the players how to avoid illegal blocks. The suit also alleges that the dummy hit Ryan's left leg and injured his knee. Ryan was 10-years-old at the time of the alleged incident and has since had two surgeries on his knee.

Todd Mashaw, president of the North Texas association, said the coaches involved in the suit have disputed the allegations against them. If you would like to read more on this story please see Parents sue a Texas football association after son sustains personal injuries.

Youth sports, although fun and provide great exercise for children, can be dangerous. Many children sustain a range of personal injuries as a result of playing in youth sports. Parents and coaches should better appreciate the inherent for potential for injury that exists in youth athletics. With education, common sense, and the focus of on the best interest of the child, personal injuries can be prevented in youth sports.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Parents walk a tight rope between encouraging their children to play competitive sports and pushing their children too far so as to turn them away from sports entirely. Coaches and parents play a key role in a child's future regarding sports.

One relationship that may be a cautionary one is when parents also coach of their children. In this type of relationship, children can see their parents love as conditional based upon their performance the sport. Parents in this role need to appreciate the delicate balance between encouragement and support as well as their potential to change from a mentor to a tormentor.

Parents may also be the reason behind their child's injuries sustained while playing sports. Aggressive and competitive parents may push their children too far and put them under pressure to play when the child is injured or not ready to compete at a higher level. Also, overly aggressive parents can seriously affect a child and can push a child into depression, eating disorders, or overuse injuries.

Coaches should also appreciate these delicate balances and fine lines, especially when speaking to their young athletes. For example, using the wrong word while speaking to gymnast about his or her weight could provoke an eating disorder. If you would like to read more on this topic please see A caution to parents and coaches to not push children too far in competitive sports.