At most every age-level cheerleading has become a sport beloved by males and females who enjoy the high-energy and excitement of the activity. As cheerleading has evolved into the most popular girls sport the dangers have also become more prominent.
It is estimated that there are more than 400,000 high school-aged cheerleaders in the United States. There are also thousands more at the collegiate and professional levels and even girls as young as five can be involved in pee-wee cheerleading programs.
The high-intensity activity involves dancing, tumbling, cheering, and performing risky stunts used to engage and excite spectators. Most of the time cheerleaders are seen on the sidelines of sporting events however the popularity has also brought on competitive cheerleading wherein several teams compete for a chance to be considered the best of the best.
According to the Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), cheerleading accounted for 66% of all catastrophic sports injuries among high school female athletes in the past 25 years. Another study by the Journal of Athletic Training notes that in 2009 high school and collegiate cheerleading was associated with more than 100 catastrophic injuries.
Although we entrust coaches and staff to provide the safest environment for our cheerleaders, carelessness may sometimes lead to a serious injury. If you or a loved one has been injured during a cheerleading accident, the victim may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
For a no-cost, no-obligation evaluation of your cheerleading accident claim, fill out the FREE CASE REVIEW form at the top right-hand corner of this page.
Common Causes of an Accident in Cheerleading
Commonly, the physicality of a sport is what makes it so dangerous. In cheerleading this is only part of the danger as it is the stunts that most often lead to serious injuries. One small misstep can lead to a catastrophic personal injury.
Some common causes of cheerleading accidents include:
- Inexperienced Coaching
- Practicing on Unsafe Turf
- Poor Training
- Failing to Adhere to Safety Standards
- Failing to Report Injuries
- Lack of Safety Equipment
- Intentional Acts
Safety guidelines for at the high school, collegiate, and all-star level can be found via the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators. The purpose of these guidelines is to minimize the risk of injury during cheer practices and events. When coaches push the limits and fail to adhere to these standards it becomes much easier for a cheerleader to become injured.
Common Cheering Injuries
Overuse injuries are common as cheering involves hours of practice in order to get a routine just right. As tumbles, tosses, and pyramids become higher and more commonly practiced at each level, certain injuries are more likely to happen.
Some common cheerleading injuries include:
- Concussion
- Head Trauma
- Sprains and Strains
- Broken Bones
- Whiplash
- Dental Injuries
- Contusions
- Dislocations
- Scrapes and Bruising
Although being injured while playing a sport is common, it is up to coaches and staff to practice reasonable care when training young men and women including knowing when certain situations could lead to disaster.
Contact our Knoxville Sports Injury Attorneys Today for Free
At Greg Coleman Law we believe that those who have caused another individual injury should be held responsible for their actions, including those who caused a cheerleading injury. Although cheer guidelines have been established, the number of injuries continues to increase.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a cheer accident, our attorneys can provide comprehensive legal counsel on your specific claim and help guide you through the entire litigation process. With more than 35 years of combined legal experience we are well versed in personal injury law and will help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our main office is located in Knoxville, Tennessee and we proudly serve the following areas:
- Powell
- Strawberry Plains
- Clinton
- Seymour
- Kodak
and many more local towns and cities. To get connected with one of our knowledgeable attorneys, contact us at (865) 247-0080. One of our steadfast intake staff members will connect you with one of our attorneys best suited in handling your claim.
You can also contact us online by filling out the FREE CASE REVIEW form at the top right-hand corner of this page.
