Every parent sees the bright future their young athlete could have, whether it’s cheering from the sidelines at a local soccer field or watching under Friday night lights. For one San Antonio family, however, the unthinkable happened when their promising student athlete tragically lost their life due to an undiagnosed heart condition. Determined to honor their child’s memory and protect others, this family worked tirelessly to push for Cody’s Law, a vital step toward ensuring student athletes' safety so such a loss doesn’t echo through another family.
Cody’s Law raises important questions for parents about what happens when sports injuries occur, such as how can we detect injuries before they occur, and can safety protocols encourage healthier student athletes? At Falcon Law Group, we understand that your young athlete’s dreams and well-being are everything to you. If your child suffers an injury while playing school sports, parents can be left wondering what could have been done differently. Our compassionate team is here to help you understand your rights, hold the appropriate parties accountable, and ensure the safety standards parents expect. Because protecting the promise of our youth is not just a mission for grieving families but one we all share as a community.
What Does Cody's Law Actually Do?
Cody's Law, also known as HB76, is a groundbreaking effort to prevent sports injuries in young athletes by addressing one of the leading causes of death among them: sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Named in honor of Cody Stephens, who tragically passed away from SCA in 2012, this law empowers parents to take proactive measures by adding electrocardiograms (ECGs) to their child's standard pre-participation physical exam. While ECGs are not mandated, schools are encouraged to provide them as an option alongside traditional physicals. This critical preventative step allows families to detect potential heart issues early, offering a chance to address them before they lead to life-threatening situations.
The law also underscores the importance of implementing safety protocols in schools to protect student-athletes. By formalizing the inclusion of ECGs, Cody's Law ensures that schools are equipped to better assess the health risks involved in sports participation. Although schools are not required to provide these screenings directly, many have partnered with organizations, like the Cody Stephens Foundation, to offer them as part of their athletic programs. This collaborative approach reinforces the commitment to fostering safer environments for student-athletes while giving parents access to potentially lifesaving information. The law represents a powerful legacy of advocacy and action, with the aim of ensuring that no family has to endure similar heartbreak.
Holding Schools Responsible: When Negligence Leads to Injury
When it comes to legal liability in school sports, schools have a duty of care to provide a safe environment for student-athletes. This responsibility extends to ensuring proper health screenings, adhering to safety protocols, and acting promptly when potential health risks are identified. If an underlying condition, such as a heart condition, goes undiagnosed and leads to an injury or worse, negligence may come into play. Parents have the right to question whether the school fulfilled its obligations, including providing access to adequate medical assessments or responding appropriately to signs of distress. Cody's Law aids this process by spotlighting the importance of thorough screenings like ECGs, highlighting instances where a lack of diligence could have prevented harm.
Ensuring Schools Uphold Safety Standards
Schools can be held legally accountable for sports injuries if negligence contributed to the harm. This may include failing to properly supervise activities, lapses in training staff on first-aid protocols, or not maintaining safe equipment and facilities. Understanding which injuries could indicate neglect is essential for parents looking to uphold their child’s rights. Here are some examples of school sports injuries that schools can be held liable for:
- Injuries caused by insufficiently maintained or faulty sports equipment.
- Heat-related illnesses are due to a lack of hydration, breaks, or improper monitoring.
- Concussions are caused by inadequate coaching on safe play techniques.
- Worsened conditions stemming from delayed or inappropriate medical attention.
- Injuries resulting from a lack of supervision during practices or games.
Your Rights and Options if Your Child is Injured
It’s vital for parents to document any safety concerns or injuries their student-athletes experience. Keep a detailed record of incidents, conversations, and any medical reports to ensure there’s a clear paper trail. When voicing these concerns to schools or coaches, always request that they be officially documented to protect your child’s rights. This documentation can be critical if questions of negligence or liability arise. For guidance and legal support in these situations, don’t hesitate to consult with a personal injury attorney who can help you understand your options and advocate for your family.
How Falcon Law Group Can Help
At Falcon Law Group, we are more than just your legal representatives—we are part of your support system, standing with you and your family through every challenge. We understand the importance of protecting your child’s rights and well-being, especially when negligence or unsafe practices may have placed them at risk. From the very first consultation to the resolution of your case, we remain dedicated to upholding your rights, pursuing justice, and ensuring accountability at every stage.
If your student-athlete has been injured, it’s crucial to uncover the truth and hold the responsible parties accountable. A personal injury lawyer at Falcon Law Group will diligently investigate the circumstances, identifying any signs of negligence, inadequate safety protocols, or lapses in supervision. We leave no stone unturned in advocating for your family, whether it’s pursuing compensation for medical expenses or working toward safer practices for all students. Don’t face the complexities of these situations alone. Reach out to Falcon Law Group today to explore your legal options, protect your child’s future, and ensure justice is achieved.
