Spring football season is about to start for high schoolers across South Florida. Football is a contact sport, meaning these young athletes are no strangers to injury. However, the biggest risk to players may not be concussions or broken bones, but a highly preventable condition called heatstroke.
Heatstroke is the most serious form of heat injury. It occurs when a person’s body temperature climbs to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher as a result of prolonged sun exposure or exercising in high temperatures. It requires immediate medical attention to avoid damage to internal organs and tissues. If left untreated, heatstroke can cause death.
Heatstroke is a particularly relevant concern in Florida, where temperatures are consistently high. There have been numerous cases of high school athletes sustaining heat-related injuries. Learn more about who is at fault if your child suffered from heatstroke during a school practice or game.
Can You Sue for a Heatstroke Injury?
Heatstroke is often preventable. Schools can take simple steps to protect high school football players and other athletes from overheating. Preventative measures include monitoring water intake and limiting time spent in the sun. Coaches should watch players for any signs of heat injury. Practice can also be moved indoors or postponed during a heatwave.
A new bill would also require all Florida high schools to have a cold water immersion tank nearby during hot practices and games. Submerging an affected player in cold water while waiting for emergency treatment can greatly increase survivability.
Unfortunately, schools, coaches, and other responsible parties sometimes fail to take the appropriate measures when it comes to your child’s safety. They may have ignored their duty to prevent, recognize, and respond to heatstroke. In these situations, they can be held liable for their negligence. Our skilled legal team will help determine fault.
Contact Kelleher Law Today
If your child was injured or killed by heat stroke or other heat-related stressors, we encourage you to call our attorneys. Not only will your lawsuit help lessen the financial burden on your family, but it will also send a powerful message to those responsible for the safety of children across our community.
Schedule your free consultation with our Naples, Fort Myers, and Atlanta, GA law firm at 833-546-3675. We proudly serve Cape Coral and nearby areas of Southwest Florida.
