Sports accidents occur during participation in sports or other exercise. They can affect anyone from professional athletes to people participating in sports; either to improve their health or simply for recreation. Generally sports accidents involve those participating in a sport, but they can also involve bystanders and fans.A fan can get hit in the face with a fly ball just as easily as a player can. Each year, 42 % of people between the ages of 15 and 24 are injured in a sports related accident. Sports injuries make up 23 % of all trauma cases each year.

The term "sports accident" covers a range of accidents that can cause many different types of injuries. Sports injuries can range from a temporary sprain to a serious spine or head injury. Common sports injuries include :

• Sprains and Strains. A sprain is the tear of a ligament caused by trauma that knocks the joint out of position. A strain is a twist, pull, or tear of a muscle or a tendon. Strains are the result overextending or over contraction.
• Knee Injuries. Knee injuries are a common sport injury, as the knee is the most easily injured joint. Knee injuries can range from a twist, to a bone or cartilage damage.
• Fractures. Fractures are a break in the bone. There are two different types of fractures : acute and stress fractures. Acute fractures occur during a one time injury to the bone. Stress fractures occur over time from continuous stress being put on the bone.
• Dislocations. This type of sports injury is when two connected bones become separated at the joint.
• Head injuries. This is most serious form of a sports injury. There are three different conditions that can occur as the result of a head injury. The first is subdural hematoma, which can occur after a mild injury. It will develop over a span of a few days to a few weeks and is the most common cause of death in athletes with head injuries. The second form of head injury is second-impact syndrome. Second impact syndrome includes brain swelling when an athlete suffers from a concussion while still recovering from a previous head injury. The third type of head injury, chronic post concussion syndrome, is characterized by blurred vision, headaches, and a lack of concentration.

When building a sports accident case, the focus is on fault. There are many people that could be at fault for a sports injury. A sports accident could be the fault of another player. Fault could also extend to coaches, trainers, medical professionals, sports insurance providers, and the owners of sports arenas. There are legal duties that team trainers and physicians need to adhere to. They include :

• Provide proper medical treatment for the athletes or help them to obtain it
• Be able to properly assess the athlete's physical condition
• Provide clearance for athletes to participate in sports activities
• Inform athletes of risks of participating in sports / exercise with their medical condition

Sports accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries. It is important to make sure that they are treated correctly. It is also important to remember that you may not be at fault for your injury and may be able to receive compensation. If you or someone you know has been injured in a sporting accident be sure to contact an attorney to find out if you are legally entitled to damages.

Goidel and Siegel : New York Personal Injury Lawyers
http://www.goidelandsiegel.com

Goidel and Siegel handle personal injury cases exclusively, and their knowledge of this area of the law is extensive. They have represented victims of serious accidents and assaults for more than 17 years. Goidel and Siegel are committed to obtaining the highest financial compensation for their clients who have been seriously injured.

They will fight for you in court - against giant insurance companies, landlords, or municipal / corporate defendants. Their record speaks for itself. Since the founding of their firm in 1990, they have recovered tens of millions of dollars in jury awards or settlements for their clients.

About author:
Submitted by Victoria at http://NewSunSEO.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victoria_M._Brown

What should you do when an accident occurs? Consult an attorney that fits your situation and determine is a lawsuit is needed. If you are in a fender bender, consult an attorney who specilizes in this particular legal issue. If you experience food poisoning, consult an attorney that has experience with food poisoning. If you are assaulted, consult a personal assault attorney.

Not all attoneys are great at litigation and courtroom trials. Most if not all attorneys will understand lawsuits to some degree but that does not mean they are good litigators. Ask your attorney for their litigation experience and consider their answer in your selection.

Should you settle? Ultimately this decision is up to you, but I suggest consulting an attorney first! Most if not all initial consultations are free. Attorneys want you business as much as you need their services.

Remember, when talking to an attorney, they are on your side! You do not need to lie. Any attorney will tell, the more they know about the truth, the better prepared they are to protect your interest. If you check the yellow pages for attorneys, you may be surprised to see the number of attorneys listed. Many cities throughout the United States and hundreds of attorneys listed.

As previously mentioned, there are many attorneys specializing in many different types of law but may not be experience in litigation. Ensure you find the one that can represent you fairly! Take time to view the various types of accidents on this site. I believe in helping the poor ... if you feel you do not have the money to afford an attorney, think again! Many attorneys will work with you if you have a good case.

NOTE: Do not settle an claim until you consult an attorney. Legal fees can be expensive not to mention all the medical costs you may incur from a hit and run accident. Seeking professional legal advise from a state licensed attorney is a good idea. Attorneys may cost you hundreds but can save you thousands!

When selecting an attorney, always remember attorneys typically specialize in specific areas of the law. For example, you would not want to seek a probate attorney for representation in a hit and run accident. Be smart when selecting an attorney and consult with friends and family. In addition, you may consider checking with the state Bar Association.

Have you already consulted an attorney? If so, did the attorney provide valuable information and are you satisfied with their recommendations? If not, consider a different attorney. Many attorneys will offer free consultation on accident cases. Call around and check the internet for good, local attorneys.