Protect Your Little One: An In Depth Review On Youth Sports Injuries Statistics In 2019
If you have kids, there’s a good chance that they’re involved in sports. And if they aren’t yet, there’s a good chance they will be at some point in the not-too-distant future.
In 2014, The Boston Globe reported that three out of four families in the U.S. with school-aged children had at least one child playing in organized sports. Back then, those numbers totaled about 45 million kids. Since that time, youth sports participation has continued to grow in America, according to the Washington Post.
But, youth sports injury statistics reveal the darker side of kids’ sports.
As parents, we want our children to have fun and stay active. But, at the same time, we don’t want to place them in a situation that could cause them serious harm.
Read on to find out about surprising youth sport injuries statistics that parents need to know!
What’s the Risk? Youth Sports Injuries Statistics Tell All
When confronted with the opportunity for their children to play sports, many parents don’t consider the risks involved. But, no matter which sport your kids play, injury is always a possibility.
Even when presented with the possibilities of injuries, most of us respond by dismissing the chances that it will happen to our child. Statistics tell a different story.
Here are some of the most statistics to remember in 2019.
1. More Than 3.5 Million Children Receive Treatment Annually For Sports-Related Injuries
The American Orthopaedic Society reports more than 3.5 million children ages 14 and younger need treatment each year for sports-related injuries.
2. 775,000 Children Per Year Visit Emergency Rooms For Sports Injuries
According to Stanford Children’s Health, more than 775,000 annual emergency room visits by children ages fourteen and younger occur due to sport-related injuries.
Obviously, many of these injuries aren’t something you can solve with a band-aid and a kiss. Many children who get injured playing sports face serious consequences and extended recovery times.
3. Brain Injury is the Leading Cause of Death From Injuries Caused By Sports
Brain injury is a leading cause of death for children ages 0 to 14 years-old in the United States.
The Brain Injury Association of America reports that an average of 62,000 children up to age 19 require hospitalization for brain injuries each year. And, for children up to age 14, brain injuries cause 2, 685 deaths each year in the U.S.
One of the leading culprits in children’s’ brain injuries leading to death is sports or recreational activities.
4. 1.35 Million Youth a Year Have Serious Sports-Related Injuries
An article published by USA Today states that over 1.35 million youths a year suffer from serious sports injuries.
What qualifies an injury as “serious”?
The article includes references to broken bones, fractures, concussions, as well as many other types of injuries.
In addition to causing the injury itself, serious sports injuries can cause a long list of financial, physical and mental hardships.
In these cases, hiring a personal injury attorney is often a family’s best option for avoiding further financial, physical and mental consequences.
5. Youth Make Up 12% of Concussions In the ER (Equivalent to One Every Three Minutes)
A report by SafeKids found that youth make up 12% of all ER visits involving concussions. A child visits the ER once every three minutes on average.
Researchers also found that sports-related injuries in children occur at a rate of once every twenty-five seconds in the U.S.
6. Basketball Results in the Most Sports Injuries Overall
While it may come as a surprise to some, basketball is reportedly the riskiest out of the most popular sports played in America. Over half a million basketball players sustained injuries over the course of a year.
Football, a sport well-known for causing controversy over its’ youth players, claims second place for sports-related injuries. But, it’s responsible for the most sports injuries involving children or teens.
7. Most Youth Sports Injuries Are Preventable
Believe it or not, most youth sports injuries are preventable.
Depending on how you look at it, this could be both good or bad news.
“If these injuries are preventable”, one might wonder, “why aren’t we doing more to prevent them from occurring?”
Sadly, many people value the idea of “winning” so much that they overlook increased risks of harm. When children “overuse” their bodies, for example, injuries occur much more often.
Today, it’s common for children as young as seven to practice a single sport several times a week.
Often, this is in addition to regular daily activities, such as attending a school or having playdates with friends. And, many youth sports practices are in the afternoons and evenings, when many children are already tired from a long day.
Parents and coaches might see late-in-the-day practices as a necessity, due to many adults’ busy work schedules. But, it tends to cause a strain on both the children and their parents.
Excessive practices can wear kids out as well. They may be more likely to lose focus or skimp on safety precautions when their practice schedules are too demanding. This can result in increased injuries as well.
Kids Need Us to Be Change Agents (Not Sports Agents)
You might be asking yourself, “Where’s the good in all this?”
The bright spot is in knowing that we have the power to prevent many youth sports injuries from occurring. Preventing injuries requires change, and for change to occur, adults have to take action.
After all, it’s up to us all to protect and advocate for America’s youth.
Perhaps it’s time we reconsider the value of winning in youth sports and turn our attention towards our kids’ safety instead.
Has Your Child Been Injured Playing Sports?
Unfortunately, youth sports injury statistics reveal the scary truth that many parents experience first-hand. The risks of sports-related injuries should concern everyone. But, parents with children who are among the statistics, have an even greater cross to bear.
If your child has sustained a sports injury, you might have a case for compensation. One of our Birmingham child injury attorneys would be happy to meet with you and discuss your case.
Youth injuries can result in parents taking time off of work, medical bills and equipment, and a variety of other expenses. And, families may deal with mental stress and emotional burdens, as well. The Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP Birmingham personal injury case lawyers are familiar with these types of situations and they can help alleviate at least some of the load by helping you pursue compensation for the injuries caused by someone else’s negligence that your child sustained.
Contact us today to learn more and get the help your family deserves.
