Cheerleading Injuries

Cheerleading is no longer about dancing and moving pom-poms in the air. Today, cheerleaders are required to have gymnastic and athletic skills that involve tumbling and stunts, doing double flips and making human pyramids. These developments have made cheerleading a dangerous sport and injuries (sometimes very serious) have become commonplace.

Cheerleading Injuries: What the Statistics Say

Here are some statistics around cheerleading related injuries:
• According to a US Consumer Product Safety Commission report, in 2008 alone there were more than 30,000 emergency room visits related to cheerleading injuries. The Commission said that cheerleading injuries had quadrupled between 1982 and 2008.
• In the US, cheerleading injuries consist of around 66% of all major sport injuries among high school and college students.
• A study conducted by the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury indicates that during 1984-2009 half of the catastrophic injuries in the country were due to cheerleading, including three deaths.

While most people seek the services of Montana lawyers when there are car accidents or because of  medical malpractice, we usually do not do the same for cheerleading injuries. One must consult a Billings, MT attorney in case of cheerleading injury or death.

Cheerleading Related Injuries

The most common cheerleading injuries are:
• Ankle sprains
• Back injuries
• Head injuries (including concussions)
• Broken arms
• Knee injuries
• Torn tendons
• Elbow injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Fractures/dislocations
• Lacerations/avulsions

Mostly disabilities and deaths are caused by head and spine injuries. The lack of amenities, novice coaches and an expounded rate of stunts are usually the causes of these injuries.

Preventing Cheerleading Related Injuries

While you may feel proud of your child performing risky routines, there are some safety measures that are essential to prevent serious injuries. As a parent, you could check out:

• The place where your child is performing
• The coach’s experience, including the kind of athletes the coach has worked with and whether he/she has gymnastic stunt work experience
• What stunts will be performed in the cheerleading routine
• The cheerleading team that your child is a member of
• Who is supervising the performance

Proper safety checks should be conducted and safety and emergency training should be given to the cheerleaders, coaches, trainers and parents.

Skiing Accidents and Injuries

Snow sports will remain among the most popular winter pastimes in America. The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) reports that over 50 million skiers and snowboarders participated in the 2007-2008 season. Although skiing and snowboarding can be exciting, serious accidents resulting in brain injuries and even deaths occur every year. Many of these accidents happen due to poor equipment, bad tracks and/or the ski instructor’s negligence. You should immediately contact a Montana law firm if you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence.

Use of Helmets
Research shows that wearing a helmet can reduce instances of serious head injuries by 40% to 60% during a collision, fall or other accidents. Certain high profile deaths, including that of actress Natasha Richardson, have spurred a debate on the usage of helmets. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends the use of protective headgear for recreational skiing and snowboarding.

Skiing Injury and Accident Statistics
In the US, there were 53 ski and snowboarding related deaths in the 2007-2008 season. According to data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), in 2007-2008 alone there were 101,111 ski related injuries in the US.

In case of ski related injury or a recreational vehicle accident, it is best to contact lawyers in Montana right away. Montana lawyers would be able to help you get fair compensation if you are suffering due to someone else’s negligence.

Skiing Accidents and Precautions
Skiing accidents can happen even t the most protected resorts. However, some basic knowledge about skiing can help you avoid fatal or serious injuries. Most of ski accidents happen on account of the carelessness of the skier himself.  Some accidents take place because of faulty skis.

Most skiers have accidents in the evening, when the visibility is low and the skier is tired. Do not pass fellow skiers. Always carry ski braces to prevent serious injuries. This can be extremely useful in case of a fall. The selection of the correct run is important to avoid accidents. All skiers should do some physical exercise to improve agility.

Some useful tips:
• Use proper ski equipment.
• Ensure that your ski boots are well fitted and bindings are properly adjusted.
• Check weather reports and avoid turbulent weather.
• Wear suitable clothes and carry an extra pair gloves or mittens and a headband.
• Get proper instruction.
• Ensure you have a good ski instructor.
• Wear good ski goggles that fit around your helmet.
• Make sure that you eat and drink frequently. If you are tired, take a break.
• Do not ski alone and carry communication equipment to stay in touch.
• Know your limits.
• Do not take warning signs lightly.