Relentless Attorney for Youth Athletes and Active Adults in Westchester County

All athletes know that there are some risks of injury that are simply “part of the game.” We accept those risks as part of our personal drive and ambition to play the sport that we love. However, there are certain risks and injuries that athletes don’t sign up for. Injuries that are never just “part of the game.”

Sports injuries that result from someone else’s negligence or intentional misconduct allows athletes to seek financial compensation by pursuing a personal injury claim.

Michael J. McConnell is a Westchester County personal injury lawyer who understands the importance of protecting the rights of youth athletes, college athletes, professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and adult weekend warriors.

As a former college athlete, ultramarathoner, and youth sports coach for over a decade, Michael J. McConnell is an attorney who knows full well the impact that an injury has on an athlete both physically and mentally.

When that injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, you can rest assured knowing that Michael J. McConnell is willing to go the distance to pursue the compensation that an injured athlete deserves.

If you or a loved one was injured playing a sport or exercising due to unsafe playing conditions, defective equipment, or reckless conduct, please contact the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

Examples of Negligence Causing a Sports Injury

Not all injuries that occur on the playing field will result in a valid personal injury case. There are certain risks that athletes take by the very nature of engaging in the sport.

For example, if a running back in football is tackled by a defensive player, that is simply part of the game and thus a known risk of participation in that sport. The running back would not be able to sue his opponent for any injuries from being tackled since the objective on defense in football is to tackle the running back when they have the ball.

In contrast, it is unfortunately way too common to see sports injuries that are clearly not among the known risks that an athlete accepts by playing the game. If the following conduct causes an injury, an athlete might have a valid personal injury case:

  • Unsafe or poorly maintained playing fields, courts, ice rinks, weightrooms, tracks, locker rooms, or facilities
  • Defective sports equipment
  • Negligent coaching or supervision, including failure to follow concussion protocols
  • Lack of a proper medical response to injuries
  • Reckless or intentional conduct that goes beyond just playing the game (for example, a violent assault during a basketball game)

Most Common Types of Sports Injuries in Westchester Caused by Negligence

The following injuries and conditions are among the most serious and most prevalent that athletes of all ages can suffer due to negligence:

  • Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
  • Heat Stroke
  • Fractures
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Dislocations
  • Torn Ligaments (for example, ACL tears)

Who Can Be Sued for Athlete Injuries?

Every case is different, but there are a number of potential defendants when an athlete is injured due to negligence, including:

  • Schools
  • Municipalities
  • Property Owners
  • Equipment Manufacturers
  • Cleaning Companies
  • Athletic Organizations
  • Trainers
  • Coaches

It is always important in a sports injury case to do a thorough investigation to make sure all potential liable parties are included in the lawsuit in order to pursue full compensation.

How Much is a Sports Personal Injury Case Worth in Westchester?

The financial value of each case is going to vary depending on the unique facts and circumstances, including the strength of the case, the severity of the injury, and the amount of insurance available.

With that said, here are some of the types of things that an injured athlete can get compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Lost wages or reduced earning capacity

Why Choose the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell for a Sports Injury?

Michael J. McConnell is a no-nonsense personal injury lawyer in Westchester and former prosecutor. Beyond his professional experience is the fact that he brings a tremendous amount of real-world experience to sports injury cases. He is a lifelong athlete, former college baseball player, ultramarathoner, former high school baseball coach, and longtime youth sports coach (including currently coaching youth girls basketball in Westchester County in his spare time outside of work). He knows exactly what it is like to be an athlete suffering from an injury. He also knows the shortcuts that many schools and municipalities take in providing safe playing fields and facilities.

Contact a Westchester County Sports Injury Attorney Today

Call (914) 810-0510 or message us here for a free consultation.

The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell serves all of Westchester County, including Yonkers, White Plains, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Elmsford, Rye, Mamaroneck, Ardsley, and more.