Last year, the family of an 18-year-old New Jersey boy who suffered brain injuries due to a blow from a baseball that sent him into cardiac arrest at a youth game six years ago received a settlement of $14.5 million from Little League and the bat manufacturer.
Our Queens child injury attorneys understand that the metal bat was deemed safe by the league for use in youth sports, despite evidence that such bats are associated with high levels of injury.
But metal bats don’t pose the only serious injury risk in youth baseball. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recently launched a new youth baseball injury advocacy and awareness campaign, advising both coaches and parents of what can be done to limit youth injuries in baseball.
The campaign cleverly encapsulates the major points in terms of nine “innings.” Though we are already full swing into the baseball season, it is not too late to review these tips and see whether improvements can be made within your child’s sporting event.
The 1st Inning advises that players need helmets that are in good condition and will protect them from the most serious kinds of head or brain injuries. Understand that no helmet out there is going to be 100 percent concussion proof, but there are certainly variations of quality.
The 2nd Inning advises that athletes need to be taught the skills necessary to avoid hits to the head and chest, in order to help reduce their chances of a serious injury. Part of that involves always wearing the proper protective equipment, even when they’re in the dugout. They should also be taught to keep their eyes on the ball at all times. A child who has suffered a hit or may have a suspected concussion should be pulled from play immediately, be evaluated by a physician and not allowed to return to play unless medically cleared.
The 3rd, 4th and 5th Innings advise players on how to find a helmet that fits well. It means having a head measuring and using the brand’s sizing chart to find the appropriate size. The player should be present during the purchase and make sure the helmet fits when hairstyle is adjusted to how it would be during play. Nothing should be worn under the helmet, unless recommended by a doctor. No helmet should sit too low or high on the head.
The 6th Inning reminds players to make sure their vision is unobstructed by their helmet, and that they can see clearly not only straight forward, but also side-to-side while wearing it.
The 7th Inning informs players how to care for their helmets. No one should use a helmet that is cracked or damage or missing any parts or padding. The helmet should be regularly cleaned with warm water and detergent, but never soaked. No one should be allowed to lean or sit on the helmet, and it should be stored in a cool room away from sunlight. Decorations or stickers should not be placed on the helmet unless Ok’d by the manufacturer.
The 8th Inning is a reminder to parents to check a helmet’s labels to make sure it is NOCSAE-certified and that there hasn’t been a recall.
The 9th Inning advises players to replace or recondition helmets that are old, damaged or heavily-worn.
Following these simple helmet safety instructions could go far in reducing youth baseball-related brain injuries in the Bronx this summer.
The Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC offers free consultations. Call 1-877-313-7673.
Additional Resources:
Nine Innings of Brain Safety in Baseball, A guide for coaches and parents, May 2013, Consumer Product Safety Commission
More Blog Entries:
Child Injury Reduction Aim of Tougher New York Gun Laws, Jan. 26, 2013, Bronx Child Injury Lawyer
