Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog

In Florida and other states, young athletes play various sports including football, baseball, soccer. and lacrosse. Unfortunately, traumatic brain injuries are common in youth sports. Because of the prevalence of traumatic brain injuries, it is important for coaches, parents, referees, and league administrators should be educated and aware of the causes and effects of traumtatic brain injuries / concussions. The Center for Disease Control reported that over 248,000 athletes were evaluated in emergency rooms for concussions and related injuries in 2009. The sports most linked to these injuries were playground activities, basketball, soccer, football, and bicycling.

There are various signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include the following:

loss of consciousness (even if it is only briefly);
headaches;
balance problems;
dizziness;
double vision;
blurry vision;
sensitivity to light;
sensitivity to noise; and / or
inattentiveness.

If a parent, coach, teacher, or caregiver believes that a child may have suffered a traumatic brain injury, it is best to have the child examined and evaluated by a local emergency room and / or a specialist. See also Greater Awareness of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Sports Means Better Reporting.

In Jacksonville, Florida, a high school athlete lost his life while playing baseball. The incident took place at a baseball practice for the Ribault High School baseball team. Gregory Green, age 17, was hit in the head by a baseball during batting practice for the high school baseball team. It was reported by the Jacksonville Times Union website / newspaper that Gregory was standing behind a screen during practice. The news report did not mention whether or not Gregory was wearing a helmet while pitching practice that day. Gregory tried to avoid getting hit by the ball but it was difficult in that the ball hit the screen's metal frame and then struck Gregory in the head. It was a most unfortunate and tragic head injury that took place during baseball practice.

Gregory Green was a role model for his peers, school, family, and community. In addition to playing baseball, he was a member of the Marine Corps ROTC Ribault High School program. He also had a 4.0 GPA (Grade Point Average). Gregory certainly had a bright future ahead of him. You can read more about this story at High School Baseball Player Struck in Head by Baseball During Practice - Ribault High School.

Continue reading "Baseball Sports Injury in Jacksonville Florida Causes Death of Ribault High School Athlete (Gregory Green)" »

Omar Curry, high school basketball coach and social studies teacher from Belleview High School in Marion County, Florida, is facing life in prison after admitting to having sex with three of his teenage students and fathering a child with one of them.

Curry was found to be the father after the teenage girl came forward and DNA tests were confirmed. The girl said she had sex with Curry in January 2008, and that Curry called her out of class, took her to the girl’s locker room, and they had sex. The child is now two-years-old.

In 2009, Curry was arrested for sexual battery charges after a 15-year-old-student student claimed they had sex in the school’s locker room. But, Curry was never fired from Belleview.

Another girl, age 17, came forward a few days after Curry’s most recent arrest. She said the two had sex in March 2008.

Curry has since been fired from Belleview. While awaiting sentencing for three counts of sexual battery on a child, Curry was remanded into custody. Circuit Judge Hale Stancil will determine his sentence. Although the maximum penalty is life, his crimes usually call for less than 25 years in prison.

For more information on the subject, see School basketball coach facing life in prison after having sex with three of his students - and fathering a child with one.

In Jacksonville, Florida, the Florida Times Union reported that a Lake Shore Middle School Teacher (Robert Bryan Luke) was arrested for allegations of sex abuse involving a child. The story did not report the identity of the child or the particular allegations but one of the specific Florida criminal charges was sexual battery of a child younger than 12 years old. A parent of the child reported to the police that a crime was committed and that the child had been sexually abused. It was reported that Mr. Luke is a local youth soccer coach and swim coach. See Florida Times Union - Law & Disorder: Jacksonville Teacher/Coach Charged with Sex Offenses Against Child.

In schools and community sports organizations, a background check is completed; however, if the applicant coach had not been arrested or convicted of a crime in the past - there will be no public record to indicate that the applicant coach is a danger to children. Beyond public record background checks, prior employers and leagues can be contacted but the work involved in such endeavors may be too tedious for some schools and / or sports organizations.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and the State Attorney were involved the investigation and will continue to work the case now that an arrest is made. Of course, Mr. Luke will be entitled to the services of a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney or legal representation through the Public Defender's office. The criminal prosecution will hinge on the evidence obtained which can include statements, photographs, videotapes, text messages, e mails, and other forms of evidence. The news story in the Florida Times Union did not detail the amount or type of evidence that law enforcement had obtained or believe it can obtain regarding these Florida criminal allegations.

Most people are familiar with collisions on Florida highways and roads. There was a different kind of collision that was reported recently - it took place during a Jacksonville Florida middle school soccer game between Jeb Stuart Middle School and Kirby Smith Middle School. Josh Walter, a 14-year-old soccer player, was hospitalized in critical condition after sustaining personal injuries in the soccer match when he collided with another player from the opposing team. Walter was flown to Shands Jacksonville with swelling around his brain. The extent of the opposing player's injuries and his name have not been released. For more see 8th-grade soccer player (Josh Walter) of Jacksonville, Florida, tragically died after colliding with opponent in a soccer match.

The death of this young man is a tragedy for his family, friends, and community. There has been a recent increase in awareness concerning the severity of personal injuries sustained by youth athletes. The primary focus has been around concussions and their treatment. Not only can head injuries be deadly, but if not fatal these types of injuries can cause developmental and behavioral challenges in its victims. Parents, coaches and other school athletic physicians need to inform and educate themselves on the severity and potentially fatal injuries their youth athletes are exposed to.

In Florida and other States, bull riding events take place at rodeos and other exhibitions. While most rodeos are about competition and tradition, some are the site of serious personal injuries and even deaths. In Florida, it was reported that a 16 year old girl suffered injuries at 301 Rodeo which is located East of Tampa. Brooke was kicked in the chest after she was thrown off the bull. She was able to walk after the incident. She developed respiratory problems and then collapsed. She was transported to Tampa General Hospital where she died from the injuries.

It is quite tragic that a 16 year old life was ended as a result of this incident. Brooke was obviously a brave and adventurous girl. Her death is a great loss for her family and the community. You can read more about this story at Rodeo - Girl Suffers Life Ending Injuries as a Result of Bull Riding Incident in Florida.

The trip seen around the world . . . . This could refer to the actions of Sal Alosi who was working as the strength coach for the New York Jets of the NFL. During a 2010 game with the Miami Dolphins, Coach Alosi learned into a player and deliberately tripped the player. At least, Coach Alosi quickly admitted to the wrongful conduct. Thereafter, he was suspended and fines were imposed for this conduct that has been played over and over on television and on the Internet. Coaches can use this incident as a teaching tool to players and parents alike. Sportsmanship is an element in professional as well as youth sports that is often times ignored or placed in the back seat to the goal of winning or getting that extra competitive edge. Parents should keep in mind that playing in youth sports is more of an education and experience rather than a means to play college or professional level sports. Coaches and parents have a unique ability to mold the minds and actions of children through organized sports. Keep sportsmanship and life lessons in mind at all times.

The New York Jets were fined $100,000 by the league for Coach Alosi's trip that has been seen around the world. This was one expensive lesson learned about sportsmanship in professional sports. See NFL Fines Jets $100, 000 Over Coach Who Tripped Dolphins' Player.

Poor sportsmanship can cost you . . . it also sets a bad example for children who look up to professional athletes and coaches as role models. When a person gets paid to play or paid to coach, there is not only an expectation to perform but there is also a responsibility (at least a moral one) to serve a good role model or ambassador of the sports for children. The New York Jets Strength Coach - Sal Alosi - was recently fined $25,000 and suspended from his team for the well publicized move of tripping Miami Dolphins player Nolan Carroll. Coach Alosi stated that he "wasn't thinking" when he tripped Nolan Carroll. That's an understatement. Anyway, youth coaches should use this film and incident as a teaching lesson for children. The object of the game should not be to trip and harm the other players and team. See NFL Suspends Coach Sal Alosi for Rest of the Season.

In youth sports, coaches and parents should stress good sportsmanship and safety. There are plenty of good examples of sportsmanship in professional sports. Then again, there are a number of examples of poor sportsmanship in professional sports. Some incidents are captured on video and some are not. The Miami Dolphins recently played the New York Jets. On a punt play, Miami Dolphins player - Nolan Carroll - was tripped by the New York Jets' strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi. As Carroll was running down the sideline, Coach Alosi leaned in an tripped Carroll. The play and the lapse of good judgment was captured on video. While Coach Alosi apologized for his bad behavior and judgment, the NFL could take action against this coach who set a really bad example on national television. What does this teach are young athletes? Would Coach Alosi have admitted to the incident if it was not on video? Was the play that important that Alosi had to trip the player? While Carroll was out of bounds at the time of the incident, this was not excuse for Alosi to trip the player which could have easily caused a serious career ending injury. You can see the video at Jets Coach Trips Dolphins Player During Game.

Many student athletes, parent, and coaches are under the misconception that helmets are regulated and built to withstand concussion-sustaining impact. However, the helmet industry recieves no such governmental regulation or other independent oversight. The present standard is for helmets to withstand skull fracturing impact and has not been modified since it was first written in 1973. The problem is that recent studies have revealed a rising rate of concussions in youth football and how the these injuries can cause short- and long-term problems with memory, depression and other cognitive functions - this is especially true in children. Even industry insiders agree that the current helmet standards are not up to day with the modern football and its associated injuries.

Concussions, typically marked by confusion, disorientation and nausea following a blow to the head, are trickier to prevent than skull fractures. A wide range of forces can cause the brain to hit the side of the skull and scientists have yet to determine a common threshold of withstainable force amongst youth football players. If you would like to read more on this topic please see As studies reveal that concussions are increasing in youth football players, the helmet industy receives criticisms.

Coachers and athletic trainers need to be watchful for symptoms of concussions. If a youth athlete sustains a forceful hit to the head, he or she should be kept out of play until medical attention is sought.

Due to the nonchalant attitude towards concussions, researchers are conducting more studies into the injury to determine its severity and extent. Specifically, researchers are trying to study what happens and how damaging it is when the injury is ignored. Concussions can be ignored in several ways: the student athlete does not tell his or her coach or personal trainer about the injury or the student athlete is placed back into play before the injury has had sufficient time to heal. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control Prevention, an estimated 135,000 children are treated in emergency rooms for serious brain or head injuries such as concussions. Those student athletes who are placed back into play too soon risk sustaining a second injury and possibly incurring permanent brain damage.

Because concussions are hard to diagnose, doctors say it is better to be safe than sorry. If a child has sustained a hit his or her head that has left the child feeling dizzy or otherwise off balance, he or she should be taken out of play and seek medical attention immediately. If you would like to read more on this topic please see Concussions taken more seriously after Northeast Florida study.

Below is a list of the common symptoms of a concussion:
- Confusion or amnesia about the incident.
- Headache or ringing in the ears.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue
- Some symptoms can set in hours or days later.

Florida is a football state. We have really strong and competitive football programs at both the college and high school level through the State of Florida. Football is a very physically demanding and tough sport. At the high school and college level, the head coach is called upon to lead a football program to victory. Often times, a head coach, whether on his own or by pressure of parents or school administrators, takes the concept of training, practice, games, and discipline too far. Some may say that it is the job of the coach to make the players tough and to help the players protect themselves in the game. Others argue that the role of a high school coach is to serve as role model to young men and not to abuse, hit, or harm the child.

The football coach in charge of the program at South Walton High School was recently arrested and charged with the crimes of child abuse. It was reported that James Barron struck a player in the throat twice and also taught his players a maneuver called the throat thrust to be used in games against opponents. In my opinion, striking a child at football practice or anywhere else is unacceptable and should subject the coach to consequences for his actions. It is also disturbing to read that a coach is teaching high school players how to harm opposing players in a game with this move called the throat thrust. A google search of the term "throat thrust" pointed me to one site that defined several professional wrestling moves. Of course, the exact nature of what was being done to and taught to the players should become more clear through the criminal investigation.

Coach Barron will be entitled to defend himself against the criminal charges through a Florida criminal defense attorney or the services of the public defender. There sometimes is a fine line between a competitive coach and an abusive one. You can read more about this story at South Walton High School Football Coach Charged with Child Abuse.

There are probably many incidents of abusive coaching in Florida high schools that never get reported or investigated. In this case, there apparently are other players who witnessed the incidents and have stepped forward to provide statements to investigating officers. It cannot be easy for a player to give a statement as to the actions or inactions of a coach or other school official.

High school football is important to the community and players. Some (not many) players have an opportunity to get a football scholarship for competitive play; however, the opportunity for scholarship should not take precedence over all other concerns like the safety and welfare of the player. Winning at all costs, abusing players, and harming the opponent have no place in Florida high school sports.

In Florida, we have the benefit of great weather that allows for outdoor sports year round. This is a definite advantage of living in Florida. The weather and access to fields and outdoor play can also be a danger to children participating in sports. Many children suffer sports related injuries due to overuse injuries and the lack of needed periods of rest and relaxation both for the mind and the body. Because of the year round ability and access to participate in sports, parents and coaches alike need to keep in mind that a child athlete's body has limits and a child athlete is at risk for injury while participating in sports and training.

A good article was posted titled 7 Tested Ways to Prevent Sports Injuries in Kids. This is a good article for parents, coaches, and league officials to read. Having a safe and healthy child at the end of the season should be the primary focus of a sports program. Winning is great but not if it is at the expense of the health or safety of a child athlete.

Some coaches of youth sports may be inexperienced and under-educated when it comes to treating personal injuries sustained by their youth players. Typically, to become a youth sports coach all one need to do is complete coaching courses, which usually do not run longer than 5 days and barely cover injury management. Even the American Red Cross first-aid course barely touches on the types of injuries seen in youth sports. Although coaches are not expected to be doctors, coaches are left with the difficult decision to play a youth after the youth has suffered a personal injury.

To help with this problem, orthopedic surgeon, Dev Mishra, has created an online site called SidelineSportsDoc.com - "The Coach's Guide to Youth Sports Injury Management." In his long line of experience, Dr. Mishra has witnessed a numerous amount youth players with significant injuries that started out as minor injuries. Dr. Mishra estimates, based on his experience, the number of secondary injuries suffered by youth athletes nationally is 1 to 2 million per year. Secondary injuries are defined as those personal injuries that became worse because a youth athlete was returned to play before his or her injury had recovered. On SidelineSportsDoc.com, coaches and parents can find reader-friendly documents that covers the most common injuries. If you would like to read more on this topic please see Simple guide on injury management for youth athletes, made for coaches and parents.

Many serious personal injuries sustained by youth athletes are secondary injuries, thus these personal injuries are preventable at an earlier stage. The more coaches and parents understand and educate themselves on the issue of personal injuries sustained by youth athletes the less likely youth athletes will sustain severe personal injuries.

Deaths occurring from school athletic sports may be rare but they happen more often than one would think. In fact, there have been four deaths of high school football players in this season alone. Reggie Garrett, 17-year-old senior of Texas, jogged off the field after throwing his second touchdown pass. After giving his coach a low-five Reggie collapsed, a little over an hour later he was declared dead. In August, an 18-year-old South Carolina player died during a scrimmage game. According to a deputy coroner, the teen had an undetectable heart defect. In September, in Orlando, Florida, a 15-year-old player collapsed during practic and died after being rushed to the hospital. Finally, a 16-year-old lineman from Chickasha, Oklahoma died after collapsing on the field three days earlier.

List of the most dangerous games:
- Football. Among high school sports, football is the most dangerous. In 2009, 3 players were killed as a direct result from hits taken during a game or practice. Fifteen other players died as from indirect causes, such as an underlying medical condition or heat stroke.
- Wrestling.
- Boys Soccer.
- Girls Soccer.
- Girls Basketball.
If you would like to read more on this topic please see High contact sports can be deadly to children and teens.

In order to prevent children involved in contact sports from sustaining serious personal injuries, or being killed, parents and coaches need to educate themselves on the dangers, risks, and injuries associated with the sport. Sports are a great method of exercise and social interact for children and teenagers, but sporting activities can be inherently dangerous. As such, all reasonable safety precautions should be taken to prevent injuries, reduce the incidents of injuries, and to address or treat injuries when they take place.

After being knocked out on the football field at Spruce Creek High School, Jordan Peterson's heart stopped. It is speculated by medical professionals that Jordan experienced a rare event called commotio cordis. This is an event that occurs when a person gets hit in the chest at a precise moment during a heartbeat.

Most cases of commotio cordis are fatal. However, death and serious injuries can be avoided or significantly reduced if the rhythm of the victim's heart is restarted by the use of an automated external defibrillator. This is what happened with Jordan - once Jordan was knocked out, his coaches immediately grabbed a defibrillator and shocked his heart back into rhythm.

Dr. Tom Carson, an Orlando, Florida pediatric cardiologist, says speed is important in responding because of potential brain damage. In fact, according to Carson, for every minute your heart is stopped, the chance of sustaining brain damage increases by 10%. The sports most often associated with commotio cordis include baseball, lacrosse, hockey and martial arts - all of which involve a sharp blow to the chest. If you would like to read more on this story please see High school football player's heart stopped after sustaining blunt chest trauma.

Because of the high risk of brain damage, defibrillators should be on hand at practices and games. Also, coaches and other responsible adults should be trained on how to properly use defibrillators instead of waiting on an ambulance to arrive - time is of the essence.

In Florida, there are many traditions. Just because something is a tradition does not mean that it is a good thing. Take hazing for example. Hazing has been around for years and it is done in the spirit at times of tradition, fun for some, and, yes cruelty. Hazing should stop at all levels of education and sports. It is interesting to note that hazing even continues into the NFL. Of course, the hazing in the NFL is typically a bad haircut or something much less than a beating. However, it is important that we teach our children that hazing, in any form, should not be tolerated and every attempt should be made to prevent and get rid of hazing in sports. In Orange County, Florida, a student has accused football players of hazing. There is a pending investigation of the matter. Currently, the Orange County School District is requesting medical records of the victim to find out more about the injuries caused by the alleged hazing. You can read more about this story at Orange County Schools Want Victim's Medical Records.

In Florida and many other States, football is a tradition and the talk of the big cities and small towns in the Fall. Especially at the beginning of the Fall football season, the weather in Florida can be quite hot and typically feels like the scorching weather of the Summer well into September and other months. Because of this, it is important for coaches, league administrators, and parents to do their part to keep children safe and well hydrated. Yes, conditioning is an important part of football but close attention should be paid to the age, size, and physical abilities of the players especially the younger ones. Youth football is loaded with players that will play at the high school or college level. It is important that all players (talented ones and the not so talented ones) are kept safe so that serious personal injuries are avoided. Of course, from time to time, heat related incidents and health complications can occur even with all reasonable precautions taken for rest, shade, and hydration. Many such incidents can be avoided with the health and safety concerns are put front and center over the competitive desire to win and condition the children into stellar, tough athletes and young men in the future.

In Ocoee, Florida, four children experienced heat related symptoms at a Pop Warner Football game. From the article posed in the Orlando Sentintel, it was reported that Firefighters responded to the scene and a few people (adults / children) were hospitalized. For more details of this incident, see Hospitalizations - Ocoee, Florida - Pop Warner Football.

The high school football season is now in full force. The Orlando Sentinel reported that a 9th grade football player collapsed during practice and later died at the hospital - Florida Hospital (Apopka). Due the age of the player and the circumstances of this death, an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and contributing factors to his death. When a football player collapses in Florida and other warm weather States, there is a concern or question whether dehydration, heat exhaustion, or hyperthermia was a cause or contributing factor to the death of the student player. On the day of the incident, the local temperature was in the high 80s (87 - 88). You can read more about this story at Wekiva (Florida) Football Player Collapses at Football Practice - Later Dies.

With football season in play, it is important for all schools and coaches to put the safety and well being of the player over all other concerns like winning. There is a great deal of pressure on coaches and players alike to perform. Yes, jobs and college scholarships are at stake; nevertheless, the overall well being of each and every player is far more important than the advancement of a few or the glory of winning. Coaches should provide scheduled water and rest breaks at practice Furthermore, coaches and trainers should be alert to any signs of fatigue or injury and respond accordingly.

Organized, school sports are just around the corner. It is our job as parents, coaches, teachers, guardians, etc. to ensure are children are in good health in order to reduce the risk or injury. According to Dr. Peter Indelicato, chief of the division of sports medicine in the University of Florida College of Medicine's orthopedics department, the best way to keep children in the game for life is to warn young athletes and their parents to play it safe.

Youth sports-related injuries are reaching all-time high numbers. And, among middle and high school students the main cause of injury is overuse. The most common injuries in young athletes typically include strains, sprains and bruising.

Any young person interested in playing sports needs to have a physical examination before he or she is certified to play. The exam is a good time for parents and the young athlete to ask about any specific issues related to potential injuries.

Parents should also educate themselves of who will be educating and coaching their children, understand their child's school policy regarding sports-related injuries and the coaches educational background and certification. If you would like to read more on this topic see Keep children safe during organized sports.