Participating in sports and athletic activities comes with a risk of physical injuries. Athletes may suffer various forms of personal injury depending on the activity. Some sports injuries occur naturally during play, but many others are preventable. Here are the most common sports injuries and tips on what to do if you believe someone else is responsible for yours.
Sprains and Strains
Ligament sprains and muscle and tendon strains occur when ligaments, tendons, and muscles are stretched or pulled due to rapid force or hyperextension of a joint or body part. Pulling and stretching ligaments, tendons, and muscles can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness, which may last for several days, weeks, or months, depending on the severity of the injury. In severe cases, sprains and strains can lead to complete tears of ligaments, tendons, or muscles.
Knee Injuries
The knee joint can sustain various injuries due to excessive impact when the leg lands on the ground, hyperextends, or takes a blow from the front or side. Common examples of knee injuries include patellar tendon injuries, dislocated patella (kneecap), and injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), or lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Severe knee injuries may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Fractures
Athletes often suffer broken bones, particularly in contact sports. Some of the most commonly fractured bones include the foot, leg, wrist, arm, ribs, clavicle, nose, and orbital (eye socket) bones. Bone fracture types include stress, hairline, and compound fractures (where the bone breaks through the skin). Broken bones can put people on the sidelines for extended periods while they heal.
Dislocations
A joint dislocation occurs when bones in a joint pop out of alignment. Common sports-related dislocations occur in the knees, fingers, wrists, and shoulders. More severe dislocation injuries can involve the vertebrae, putting pressure on the nerves in the spinal column and leading to significant pain and limitations on mobility.
Concussions
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that causes temporary changes in brain function. Concussions frequently occur in high-impact sports like football, soccer, skiing, and hockey. Symptoms of concussions clear up on their own in a few days or weeks. However, doctors should monitor concussion victims for persistent or worsening symptoms that may indicate a more catastrophic brain injury. Repeated concussions can cause additional brain damage over time.
Tendon Injuries
Tendons are soft tissues that connect muscle to bone. Tendon injuries include strains or tears caused by excessive pulling or twisting forces, such as Achilles tendon injuries or tennis elbow. Tendons are also prone to inflammation, called tendonitis. Tendonitis can occur due to injury or repetitive motion, such as the movements athletes make in sports like tennis or baseball.
Back Injuries
Common examples of sports-related back injuries include back strains, herniated discs, and damage to the nerve bundles exiting the spinal column.
Can I Sue After a Sports Injury in British Columbia?
Although many sports injuries occur in ordinary play, injured athletes may have a legal claim to recover compensation in certain situations. If there is any question about whether someone else is responsible for an injury, it is a good idea to discuss the case with an experienced sports injury lawyer.
Holding a fellow player liable for a sports injury may require showing that the player failed to act like a reasonable competitor. A recent decision from the B.C. Court of Appeal found that people injured while playing recreational sports can successfully sue for compensation when the reckless play of another player injured them.
Sports leagues may also be liable for injuries caused by negligent coaching, inadequate officiating or supervision, or hazardous playing areas.
Contact Our British Columbia Sports Injury Lawyers Now
If you suffered injuries in a sporting activity in British Columbia, you need robust legal representation to help you fight for the financial relief you deserve. Contact Warnett Hallen LLP today for a free consultation.
