HOUSTON SPORTS INJURIES LAWYER
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Athlete Injury Lawyer in Texas
When playing a sport or engaging in some other form of recreational physical activity, there typically comes the risk for injury. However, there’s a big difference between risk and negligence. In some instances, the injuries received in a sport or recreational physical activity may be the result of someone else’s negligence. In these situations, the owners or operators of the facility where the accident occurred may be held liable for damages resulting from their negligence.
The inherent dangers and risks notwithstanding, proper maintenance of a facility and proper safety measures often greatly reduce the likelihood that an accident will occur. In some cases, sports fields, pools, skate parks, ski resorts, and other recreational facilities simply do not adequately maintain their facilities. As a result, avoidable injuries occur.
If, while engaging in a sport or other recreational activity, you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Houston sports injuries lawyer like those at Reich & Binstock to see if you have a compensable case.
Can You Sue for a Sports Injury?
In general, it is not particularly common for an athlete to sue for a sports-related injury. In sports—such as football or hockey, for example—there is a certain extent of danger and risk of injury that you must account for when engaging in the sport. In legal terms, this is what is known as an “assumption of risk.” While many sports injuries that occur fall under this assumption of risk, there are still some circumstances in which the victim might be able to sue.
Intentionally harmful or reckless acts by other players may provide some grounds for sports injury lawsuit cases. The harm or recklessness must have occurred outside the scope of the actual game, though. For example, a powerful tackle in a football game that leaves a player with a broken bone or concussion will almost always fall under the assumption of risk, meaning there are generally no grounds to sue.
It is what we call “a part of the game.” However, if a player gets in a physical altercation or otherwise intentionally harms another athlete after the play has stopped, you may be able to sue the offender.
Another means to sue when it comes to sports injury lawsuit cases is under Houston product liability or premises liability law. The defective design, manufacturing, or marketing of sporting goods or equipment that leads to an athletic injury allows room for a legal claim. The same goes for improper maintenance or safety protocols in a recreational area or facility. In these cases, the person responsible for the defective equipment or unsafe facility may be legally liable for any losses that incur.
Another situation where a sports injury lawsuit may be possible is when the injury is due to negligent coaching practices. If a coach puts an athlete in an unreasonable or dangerous situation or otherwise continues to play an already injured athlete, he or she may be held liable, and you may need a Houston sports injuries lawyer on your side.
If, while engaging in a sport or other recreational activity, you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
What are the Most Common Sports Injuries in Texas?
In the world of sports, injuries are inherently common. From youth leagues to adult teams, injuries in the game cannot be entirely avoided. Even in individual sports where there is not an entire team present on the field or court, accidents are often inevitable. Some of the most common sports injuries we see here at Reich & Binstock include the following:
- Sprained joints
- Broken bones
- Muscle strains
- Back injuries
- Concussions
- Head trauma
- Cuts and abrasions
- Knee injuries (ACL tear)
Head injuries are particularly serious, as certain delayed concussion symptoms don’t show until days after the incident.
What is the Best Way to Deal With Sports Injuries?
Sports injuries can be especially tough for athletes because, more often than not, all they want is to get back into the game. However, just because you want an injury to heal quickly doesn’t mean it will. Depending on the severity of the injury, it could be months before you’re able to pick back up your regular activity levels.
There are a few ways to deal with sports injuries. The first is to protect the injured area from any further damage. Depending on the location of the injury, you can do this with a splint, pad, brace, crutch, or other medical device. From there, restrict any further activity that may irritate or worsen the injured area. Rest is a crucial part of recovery.
Ice and compression can help significantly with swelling. For pain relief, an over-the-counter medication should help. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) can also assist in the reduction of swelling, as well as elevation of the injured area.
While these at-home remedies can help with your physical recovery, they won’t help much with your financial situation. This is especially true when a person’s career requires physical or sports-related activity. This is where Reich & Binstock come in. If you’ve received a sports injury due to another’s negligence, the best thing you can do for yourself is call a Houston sports injuries lawyer. Our R&B attorneys can review your case and hold the responsible party legally liable for your injuries.
When Should You See a Doctor for a Sports Injury?
When you break a bone or dislocate a joint on the field, you know to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. But what if the injury is more subtle? Sometimes you may not even feel the effects of an injury until many days later. Regardless of the severity of the injury, if you were hurt while playing a sport or engaging in another recreational physical activity and receive injuries, we recommend seeing a doctor as soon as possible. This doesn’t mean you need to call an ambulance for a sprained ankle, but getting in with your doctor within the next few days is advisable.
There are a few reasons you should always see a doctor following a sports-related injury. One is so that you can get a full and accurate picture of the injury you are dealing with and what you need to do to properly recover. Ignoring an injury won’t make it go away. In fact, it will likely worsen if you continue to play or workout on it. The quicker you see a doctor, the quicker you will be able to get back into the game.
Another reason we recommend you see a doctor ASAP is so that, should you choose to bring a lawsuit against the responsible party, you will have medical documentation (evidence) of the injury that will be an integral part of your case.
Experienced Houston Sports Injury Lawyers
There is never a fee unless we recover on your behalf.
Additionally, clients are not obligated to pay expenses if a recovery is not made.