Many of us go about our day without realizing the potential risks we face in simple activities. For example, you drive your car to work at speeds greater than 50 mph. At any moment, a car accident could occur, and the results could be anywhere from minor inconveniences to devastating life-changing consequences. Indeed, personal injury can occur at almost at any time or place, such as on the side of the street, in the workplace, in a grocery store, and more.
Likewise, personal injury can happen in sports as well. Americans cherish their beloved games and activities, whether they are watching them or participating in them. However, sports can change at a frightening rate from fun recreational activities to crippling disasters. Of course, some sports are rarely dangerous, such as golf, but others can present a risk of severe injury or even death to its participants.
#1: Horse Riding
Many people have a soft spot for horses. Some see them as a pet, while others ride them for fame and fortune in competitive racing. Regardless,our equestrian friends can weigh over 1000 lbs. and can unexpectedly throw their riders around like rag dolls. Horses also bite with their teeth and butt their strong heads, but by far their most dangerous habit is kicking their hooves. The incredibly powerful muscles in their legs can deliver a force that has been known to kill humans.
According to Riders4Helmets.com, an estimated 7 million people ride horses per year. In 2005 alone, over 78,000 riders visited the emergency room as a result of horse-riding related injuries. Always make sure to take proper precautions when riding a horse.
#2: American Football
Easily one of America’s most popular sport, football is a symbol of pride and tradition that many Americans hold in their hearts. Today, the National Football League is a multi-billion dollar organization, and stadiums can cost millions or even billions of dollars. It is clear that Americans have invested their time and money into this sport, yet many of its athletes are injured each year. Due to the rough nature of the sport--the pushing, shoving, tackling, and headlong collisions--over 41,000 injuries were reported between the years of 2004 and 2009, according to the NCAA. Always use proper equipment when participating in a football game.
#3: Bull Riding
Texas isn’t Texas without its yearly rodeo, and a Texas rodeo isn’t a Texas rodeo without bull riding. Each year, thousands of spectators from around the nation and the world flock to Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio to view some of the country’s bravest men (and foolish, some might call them) hold on to the back of a raging, roaring bull.
While this sport continues to display the legendary tradition of the Western cowboy, injuries related to bull riding are often horrendous. Bulls can throw riders off their backs, kick them with their legs, trample them, or even injure them with their sharp horns. Many riding bulls can weigh 2000 lbs. or more, two times the weight of a horse. It is not without reason that many consider the eight seconds t a bull rider spends on the back of a bull to be the most dangerous eight seconds in all of sports.
Sports injuries are common and expensive--this is why health insurance companies exist. However, some insurance companies may refuse or be reluctant to compensate medical costs that they are legally obligated to cover. Colley & Colley specializes in cases like these and can help you win the compensation you deserve. For more information, contact an experienced attorney in East Texas today.
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