Football Season and Head Injuries: Legal Issues in Youth Sports

Englander Peebles Accident and Injury Lawyers | Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorneys

As football season kicks off across Fort Lauderdale and the rest of South Florida, youth leagues are once again in full swing. While the game teaches teamwork, discipline, and confidence, it also brings a heightened risk of injuries—especially to the head and brain.

At Englander Peebles Accident and Injury Lawyers, we’re seeing a growing number of families with questions about their legal rights when a child suffers a concussion or more serious brain injury during sports. Here's what you need to know about head injuries in youth football and the potential for personal injury claims in these situations.

The Reality of Head Injuries in Youth Football

Youth athletes are more vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) because their brains are still developing. Even with helmets and proper coaching, concussions, second-impact syndrome, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) are real risks for young players.

Common causes of football-related head injuries include:

Improper tackling techniques
Lack of trained medical staff on-site
Failure to remove injured players from the game
Poorly maintained equipment
Coaching staff ignoring or minimizing symptoms

Who May Be Liable for a Youth Sports Head Injury?

While sports carry some inherent risk, certain injuries may result from negligence. In Florida, if an injury occurs because someone failed to act with reasonable care, they may be held legally responsible.

Potentially liable parties could include:

Coaches or athletic staff who ignored concussion protocols
Schools or leagues that failed to train staff or maintain safe equipment
Helmet or gear manufacturers in cases involving defective equipment
Facilities or field owners if unsafe conditions contributed to the injury

At Englander Peebles, our Fort Lauderdale injury lawyers conduct thorough investigations to identify all responsible parties and determine whether negligence played a role.

Signs of a Concussion in Children

Parents and coaches should watch closely for these signs after a hit or fall:

Headache or dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Confusion or memory loss
Slurred speech
Sensitivity to light or noise
Trouble sleeping or mood changes

If your child shows any of these symptoms, they should be removed from play and seen by a medical professional immediately. Returning to play too soon after a head injury can lead to permanent damage—or worse.

What to Do If Your Child Is Injured Playing Football

Seek Medical Care: Even if symptoms seem minor, always err on the side of caution.
Document Everything: Take notes on when, where, and how the injury happened. Save all medical records.
Report the Incident: Notify the school, league, or team administrator in writing.
Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney: If you suspect negligence, speak to a lawyer before signing any waivers or accepting any settlements.

How Englander Peebles Can Help

At Englander Peebles Accident and Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to protecting the rights of injured children and their families in Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Florida. Our legal team understands the long-term consequences of brain injuries and works tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable.

Whether your child was hurt in a public school program, private league, or travel team, we can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation needed for medical care, future treatment, pain and suffering, and more.

Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If your child has suffered a head injury while playing football or another contact sport, don’t wait. Contact Englander Peebles Accident and Injury Lawyers today for a free case evaluation. We’ll help you understand your options—and fight for the justice your family deserves.

📍 Englander Peebles Accident and Injury Lawyers – Fort Lauderdale, FL
📞 954-539-8960
🌐 https://www.ftlinjurylaw.com