Families Sue Cheerleading School of Children's Injuries
Two Florida families are suing a cheerleading school over injuries suffered by their teenage daughters during gymnastics practice. The families claim the school's coaches ignored complaints and forced the girls to practice until they were injured.
The suit contends that one of the girls suffered a serious spinal fracture in 2008 and the other girl injured her arm so badly that she required surgery. The suit contends that the coaches put winning competitions over safety, which directly led to the injuries.
Schools and childrens' sports organizations are responsible for the safety and welfare of their students, in the same way that employers are responsible for the safety of their employees. These organizations must provide a safe environment and take reports of injury seriously. If the school or its staff fails to do so, and it results in a student being injured or aggravating a pre-existing injury, the school and the employees can be held liable.
