Doctors are responsible for checking a student-athlete’s physical fitness, determining their ability to handle rigorous activity and making health clearance to compete. High school and college sports programs require their athletes to be cleared by a physician before the beginning of their season. Most players are free to play after being cleared by their physician. However, some athletes may have unexpected health concerns that need to be dealt with promptly.
If a doctor screening of an athlete is negligent, they may not catch these health problems. As a result, that athlete can be seriously endangered when he or she participates in games or even just practice. For more information regarding your legal options if you have suffered because of a negligent doctor, contact the medical malpractice attorneys at the Clore Law Group at 800-610-2564.
Complications with Wrongful Health Clearance
A doctor must prevent a student-athlete from playing if they are not healthy enough to compete. If these doctors do not order sufficient screening tests to measure potential health problems, the athlete may not know or understand what problems can arise if they push their body too hard.
The following issues can arise if a doctor does not adequately screen student athletes:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Pulmonary embolism
- Severe muscle damage
- Cartilage or ligament damage
- Bone fractures
- Organ damage
- Muscle and connective tissue damage
These health concerns can potentially lead to permanent health issues for an athlete. In severe cases, a condition may prove fatal when worsened by physical activity.
Health Clearance Injuries
If you have suffered because of a physician’s careless health clearance, there may be legal action available to fight back against the doctor’s negligence. For more information regarding your rights and options as an injured athlete, contact the South Carolina Medical Malpractice attorneys of the Clore Law Group today regarding your health clearance.
