Sports Injury Attorneys in Philadelphia, PA

Sports injuries can be life-altering, especially when they result from someone else's negligence. Whether you or your child were hurt due to unsafe playing conditions, defective equipment, or inadequate supervision, you may have legal options – but you might also be unsure how to proceed.

At Kline & Specter, our team of over 50 attorneys, including five who are also medical doctors, is uniquely equipped to handle complex sports injury cases. With a deep understanding of both the legal and medical fields, we work to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term recovery.

Common Sports Injuries

Sports injuries can range from relatively minor to serious. Some heal with rest and rehabilitation, but others may require surgery or long-term care.

Common sports injuries include:

• Sprains and Strains: Ligament and muscle injuries caused by overstretching or sudden movements.
• Fractures: Broken bones from falls or direct impacts.
• Concussions: Traumatic brain injuries resulting from blows to the head.
• Dislocations: Joints forced out of their normal position, commonly in the shoulder or knee.
• Torn Ligaments (ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Serious injuries requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation from repetitive motions, often affecting elbows, knees, or shoulders.

Sports Injury Causes

Sports injuries can occur for various reasons. While some are unavoidable, others result from negligence, creating grounds for legal action.

Common causes of sports injuries include:

• Unsafe Playing Conditions: Poorly maintained fields, slippery surfaces, or inadequate lighting can lead to serious accidents.
• Defective Equipment: Malfunctioning helmets, faulty protective gear, or poorly designed sports equipment increase the risk of injury.
• Lack of Proper Supervision: Inadequate coaching, unqualified referees, or failure to enforce safety rules can cause preventable injuries.
• Excessive Force or Rough Play: Unnecessary aggression can lead to significant harm, whether in contact sports or recreational play.
• Overuse and Repetitive Stress: Poor training techniques, excessive practice, or lack of rest can cause long-term damage.
• Improper Safety Protocols: Failure to follow concussion protocols, warm-up routines, or hydration guidelines can increase injury risks.

Types of Compensation Available for Sports Injury Victims

Victims may be entitled to compensation for their losses if a sports injury occurred because of negligence. Types of compensation include:

• Medical Expenses: Covers emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost Wages: For income lost due to time away from work, including future earnings if the injury affects long-term employment.
• Pain and Suffering: Addresses physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the injury.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Covers physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices needed for recovery.
• Disability and Reduced Earning Capacity: For permanent injuries that impact the ability to work or perform daily activities.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If a sports-related injury results in death, surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral costs and financial support.

Sports Injury Statistics and News

Statistically, the highest injury rates are reported in sports that involve contact, such as football, basketball, and soccer. However, numerous injuries are also seen for baseball and cheerleading.

Sports-related deaths are rare, with the majority resulting from brain injuries. Sports and recreational activities contribute to about one in five traumatic brain injuries suffered by children and adolescents. The majority of brain injuries are sustained in accidents involving bicycling, skateboarding, and skating.

The National SAFE KIDS Campaign and the American Academy of Pediatrics estimate that about 3.5 million children get hurt each year in the United States playing sports or participating in recreational activities, with about 775,000 treated in hospital emergency rooms.

Those statistics refer just to children 14 and younger. Because of their size and athleticism, high school and college athletes can suffer more severe injuries, particularly in contact sports. Most sports-related injuries result from falls, being struck by an object, collisions, and overexertion. Most, 62%, also occur in practices rather than games.

One noteworthy sports injury case took place in Washington state. A 16-year-old football player, Victor Lystedt, suffered a severe brain injury after he was sent back onto the field too soon after a concussion. 

Another suit was filed in New Jersey by the family of a high school football player who died after he was sent into a game three and a half weeks after suffering a concussion.

In the Washington state case, the serious injury to Lystedt led to the state legislature enacting one of the nation's most rigorous laws protecting young athletes from severe brain injuries. The law requires athletes who sustained concussions to get clearance from a licensed medical professional before returning to the playing field.

Why Choose Kline & Specter?

Kline & Specter has a proven track record of securing justice for sports injury victims. With over 50 attorneys, including five medical doctors, the firm brings legal and medical insight to every case. 

In a highly publicized lawsuit, Kline & Specter secured a $7.5 million settlement against La Salle University for Preston Plevretes, a 19-year-old football player who suffered permanent brain damage after being cleared to play too soon following a concussion.

This case highlights the firm's dedication to holding negligent parties accountable. If you or a loved one has suffered a sports injury, Kline & Specter is prepared to fight for you.

Discuss Your Sports Injury Case

If you or a loved one suffered a serious sports-related injury that may have been caused by negligence, a sports injury attorney can guide you through the next steps. Call Kline & Specter at 215-772-1000 or submit our contact form to find out if you have a valid legal claim.

Kline & Specter provides free and confidential evaluations of potential cases. Kline & Specter handles cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. For cases outside those states, the law firm works with local attorneys in each state as applicable.