Pickleball Injuries On The Rise

A sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball has rapidly gained popularity across the United States, including in sunny locations with beautiful weather, like Miami. This fast-paced, engaging game is played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, typically on courts smaller than those designed for tennis.

While the sport has a reputation as being a low-impact activity, pickleball injury rates have risen as the sport’s popularity has increased, and some of these injuries are connected to poorly maintained courts. If you find yourself injured due to unsafe conditions, talk to a Miami personal injury lawyer. Don’t let a preventable injury sideline you, reach out for legal assistance and ensure your rights are protected.

Common Pickleball Injuries

Invented in the mid-60s, pickleball has experienced a boom in popularity. Its appeal lies in the fact it is a very accessible sport, people of all ages and skill levels can enjoy it. According to one estimate, there are over 4 million pickleball players in the United States. Because of this, pickleball courts are popping up in parks, recreation centers, and even private properties. The sport’s social and health benefits make it a favorite pastime, contributing to its rapid growth.

Despite being relatively low-impact, pickleball can lead to various injuries. Some common pickleball injuries include:

• Sprains and strains. The quick movements and sudden changes in direction required can lead to sprained ankles or strained muscles, especially in the legs and lower back.
• Repetitive motions, such as swinging the paddle, can cause inflammation of the tendons in the elbow.
• Falls are a common hazard, leading to wrist, shoulder, or hip fractures.
• Knee injuries. The frequent lateral movements can strain the ligaments in the knee, potentially leading to meniscus tears or other ligament damage.

While many injuries result from the nature of the sport itself, some occur due to poorly maintained courts. Slippery surfaces, cracks, uneven flooring, or inadequate lighting can create hazardous conditions. If you are injured on a court that is not properly maintained, you may be able to hold the property owner accountable under Florida premises liability laws.

Court Conditions and Establishing Liability

To hold a property owner accountable, you must prove that the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to address it. This can involve showing that the owner neglected regular maintenance or ignored complaints about a pickleball court’s condition.

When you hire a Miami personal injury lawyer, they will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your injury, gathering evidence such as photographs of the court, witness statements, and maintenance records. Once they have the documentation to prove fault, your lawyer will move forward with filing a claim against the property owner, seeking compensation for expenses and other damages resulting from your pickleball injury.

Were you hurt while playing pickleball? While many sports injuries are inherent to the activity, others are due to poor maintenance. The legal team at Spencer Morgan Law can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement. Call 305-423-3800 for a confidential assessment.