What Are Some Common Sports Injuries?
Most of us have seen firsthand how sports injuries can change lives. Whether it’s a child on the soccer field or an adult in a weekend basketball league, no athlete expects to end up sidelined due to someone else’s carelessness.
At Gama Law Firm, LLC, our personal injury lawyer has helped several clients fight for justice and compensation for life-altering injuries after a sports accident. We serve our Denver clients in Colorado, Aurora, Parker, Centennial, and Castle Pines.
Let’s take a closer look at the types of injuries we often see, what causes them, and how a legal claim can help cover the physical and financial toll.
Concussions And Traumatic Brain Injuries
Concussions are among the most common sports injuries—and among the most misunderstood. They often result from a direct blow to the head or even a sudden jolt to the body that causes the brain to shift. Contact sports like football, soccer, and hockey see a high number of these injuries.
Symptoms don’t always show up right away. Some athletes try to brush off dizziness, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light. Others might think they just “got their bell rung.” In reality, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. When untreated or repeated, it can lead to long-term damage such as chronic headaches, mood swings, memory loss, or worse.
We’ve helped clients seek damages for medical treatment, long-term therapy, and loss of income tied to brain injuries. A personal injury lawyer can play a key role in documenting the severity of the injury and showing how it affects day-to-day life.
Sprains, Strains, And Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries may sound minor, but they often cause lasting pain and require extended recovery. We’ve seen athletes benched for months due to torn ligaments, pulled muscles, or joint sprains. These injuries commonly occur in sports that demand sudden stops and starts—like basketball, tennis, or volleyball.
These types of injuries often stem from overuse, poor field conditions, or even defective footwear or gear. We’ve represented clients who were injured due to equipment failure or hazardous practice surfaces—both of which can support claims of negligence.
What many athletes don’t realise is that these injuries can evolve. A mild ankle sprain might turn into chronic instability if left untreated. Having a personal injury lawyer involved early can make a difference in whether full compensation is possible.
Fractures And Broken Bones
Whether it’s a slip on wet turf or a collision during play, fractures happen quickly and with serious consequences. Broken bones can keep people from working, driving, or managing everyday tasks—especially if surgery is needed.
The cost of treatment can pile up fast. Between hospital visits, imaging, surgery, casting, and physical therapy, many clients find themselves overwhelmed. In some cases, improper supervision or faulty protective gear plays a role. When that’s the case, the person or organization responsible may be held liable.
We’ve helped many Colorado athletes recover damages tied to fractures—particularly when another party’s actions contributed to the injury. As personal injury lawyers, we help make sure all angles are investigated.
Dislocations And Joint Injuries
Joint dislocations—like shoulders, knees, or fingers—can be excruciating. Once it happens, there’s often an increased risk it could happen again. Football, wrestling, gymnastics, and skiing are some of the sports where these injuries frequently occur.
In many cases, joint dislocations are caused by poor technique instruction, failure to supervise, or unsafe equipment. Coaches and training staff have a duty to create a safe environment, especially when minors are involved. If they breach that duty, they can be held responsible.
We know that joint injuries often result in surgery, rehab, and long-term physical limitations. Our role as personal injury lawyers is to work closely with medical experts to understand the full picture and pursue damages that account for all current and future consequences.
Knee Injuries Including ACL, MCL, And Meniscus Tears
Knee injuries are some of the most feared in sports. ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears, in particular, are notorious for their long recovery timelines and high surgical costs. They often happen during quick pivots, jumps, or awkward landings.
Even with the best medical care, some athletes never fully regain strength or confidence in the knee. That’s why compensation needs to consider both the immediate injury and the long-term outcome. When poor field maintenance, inadequate safety gear, or improper warm-up routines lead to these injuries, a personal injury lawyer can step in to hold the right party accountable.
We’ve seen how devastating a serious knee injury can be for people who love to stay active or work in physical professions. Filing a claim can help them access the care and support they need.
Back And Spinal Injuries
Not all sports injuries are visible. Back and spinal injuries can develop over time or result from a single traumatic incident. Weightlifting, gymnastics, skiing, and football are just a few sports where athletes are at risk.
Herniated discs, spinal compression, and nerve impingements often require significant intervention. Some athletes may need surgery. Others must rely on chiropractic care, pain management, or physical therapy for years.
As personal injury lawyers, we know spinal injuries can disrupt lives. Clients may lose their ability to work, participate in hobbies, or even sleep comfortably. In these cases, building a legal claim is about more than covering the cost of care—it’s about helping people rebuild their daily routines.
Eye Injuries And Vision Loss
Eye injuries in sports can happen in an instant—from a stray elbow in basketball to a flying puck in hockey. In some cases, they’re preventable. A lack of eye protection or failure to enforce safety rules can expose players to unnecessary danger.
The consequences can range from temporary irritation to permanent vision loss. For athletes, this often means more than the end of a season—it could mean the end of a career or loss of independence.
We’ve worked with clients whose lives were turned upside down after an avoidable eye injury. A personal injury lawyer can help identify liability, whether it lies with a coach, school, facility manager, or equipment manufacturer.
Heatstroke And Dehydration
Colorado’s climate may not be as humid as other parts of the country, but athletes here still face the risk of heat-related illnesses. When coaches fail to allow proper breaks or ignore signs of distress, heatstroke can become a serious danger.
This kind of injury is entirely preventable with the right precautions. Unfortunately, too many coaches push athletes too hard or ignore the need for hydration. In high school and youth sports especially, we’ve seen this type of negligence lead to emergency room visits—or worse.
A personal injury lawyer may be able to build a case if there's a clear failure to protect players from heat illness, especially when written safety protocols were ignored.
Overuse Injuries In Youth Sports
Children and teens aren’t immune from injuries. In fact, they’re more susceptible to overuse injuries due to growing bones and joints. Baseball, gymnastics, and distance running are all common culprits.
When coaches ignore pitch limits or push year-round training without rest, young athletes suffer. Overuse injuries might start as minor discomfort but can develop into stress fractures, tendinitis, or permanent joint damage.
Parents often feel torn about pursuing legal action, especially if the coach is well-liked. However, when neglect leads to lasting damage, speaking with a personal injury lawyer helps clarify the family’s options.
When Negligence Causes Injury
While some sports injuries are truly accidental, others could’ve been avoided if basic safety practices were followed. We often see injuries tied to:
Improper supervision
Unsafe facilities or equipment
Failure to follow medical protocols
Inadequate training or conditioning
Lack of emergency preparedness
In these cases, the person or organisation responsible for the injury may be liable for damages. That might include medical expenses, missed work, pain and suffering, and even emotional trauma.
We’ve worked with clients to hold school districts, athletic clubs, private trainers, and equipment manufacturers accountable. Filing a claim isn’t about punishment—it’s about making sure the injured person gets the support they need to recover.
What To Do After A Sports Injury
If you or your child is hurt during a sporting event, take these steps to protect your health and your rights:
Seek medical treatment immediately
Document the injury with photos and reports
Get witness statements if available
Save all medical bills and communication
Speak with a personal injury lawyer
Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and gives your legal claim a stronger foundation. We’ve seen too many cases where people waited too long and lost the chance to be compensated fairly.
Contact Our Colorado Personal Injury Firm
At Gama Law Firm, LLC, we proudly serve clients across Denver, Aurora, Parker, Centennial, and Castle Pines, Colorado. Your story matters to us, and we’re here to listen. Built on a foundation of honest advice and relentless advocacy, we will stand by your side when your health, time, and peace of mind are at stake. Let us protect what matters most to you. Reach out to our experienced attorney today and take the first step toward justice.