Legal LiabilityResponsibility Legal considerations for the athletic trainer

Legal Liability/Responsibility

Legal considerations for the athletic trainer o First need to know what is the athletic trainers DUTY to the athlete n Duty is the legally defined responsibilities of an athletic trainer n To do what a reasonable an careful person (athletic trainer) would do under the same or similar circumstances “reasonably prudent man theory”

What Defines a DUTY? o o Job Description Standard of Care Contract Athletic Trainer Domains

Breach of Duty o Nonfeasance - not fulfilling legal duty “when you don’t do something you should have done” o Misfeasance - Doing something we should be doing, but improperly o Malfeasance - Doing something we have no duty to perform

Breach of Duty- Other Factors o o o Morality Economic good of the group Practical administration of the law Justice Fact pattern of the case

Standard of Care q What is the standard of care an athletic trainer has to uphold? q Standard of care is determined by what the individuals duty is. o For example - a coach managing a serious head injury would not be held to as high a standard of care as an athletic trainer or EMT. Because they do not have the training for it.

Duty owed to each individual is different o Licensee - On property with permission of owner but of no benefit to owner. Should be warned of harms owner is aware of. o Invitee - Greatest duty! Person wo has been invited expressly onto land o Trespasser Least Duty!

Legal considerations for the athletic trainer o Liability n Something that someone is responsible for, or something that increases the chance of something occurring (i. e. it is a cause).

o Negligence - Guilty of being liable n Is a failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would

o Tort – a wrongful act n Omission - don't carry out legal duty n Commission – commit an act you are not legally able to perform

Defenses Against Negligence o Assumption of Risk - an athlete assumes certain risk of injury (need to consider age, and experience) o Act of God o Contributory Negligence o Forseeability

Legal Issues - Informed Consent o Implies that an athlete or his/her parents must be informed of the risks inherent in a particular sport before they voluntarily assume the risk of participation. n Remember that guardians/parents cannot waive a minors rights. A minor can reinstate his/her right when turning 18.

Legal Issues - Shared Responsibility o Acknowledges the impracticality of coaches and other athletic personnel being responsible for the prevention of all injuries that occurring sports. Consequently, the athlete is asked to share in this responsibility.

Legal Issues - Transportation o Guest Statute - no person riding in an auto as a guest has any right of action against the driver or any person liable if: n willingly volunteered (remember minors cannot volunteer on their own) o Collins V. Board of Kent County - Student rode home with a friend, not on a school bus from an event. Was killed in auto accident. Parent sued school for not providing transportation when the event was required by the school.

Legal Issues- Governmental or Proprietary Function o Institution is responsible for all activities that occur on their property “Respondent Superior” o Charitable Immunity

What is the athletic trainer legally liable for? o Nutritional aspects of team - Can't watch what they eat but need to supply them with information and recognize eating disorders o Supervise the play and practice areas: make sure they are safe, control the environment (move objects, suggest take practice inside due to lightning or heat/cold) o Legally liable to give the athlete the best equipment regardless of the level of that athlete

Specific Responsibilities to the Athletic Training Program o Obtain readily available medical records. o Conduct pre-play physical exam and maintain accurate emergency information. Can't assume all athletes are healthy. o Work closely with parents and coaches keep communication open.

Specific Responsibilities to Athlete o Make sure athlete knows how to condition properly o Between onset of practice and competition make sure the athlete is prepared. Gear etc. . o W/out any hesitation--must remove athlete from activity if impaired. o Responsible for athlete in the environment.

Specific Responsibilities to Athlete o Must have ability to evaluate and analyze the injury and athletes status o Give proper fitting equipment o Athlete must have qualified medical care in practice and competition. If beyond your scope, you need a physician. You don't need to know everything--have a support group.

How Do Athletic Trainers Protect Themselves? o Keep accurate records o Have the health history of the athlete current and accessible in case of emergency

How Do Athletic Trainers Protect Themselves? o Make sure the area you are responsible for is properly supervised; students and equipment are safe. o Don't give out medicine. That is for the physician. May not want to give out aspirin or Tylenol prior the comp/practice; if injured may mask symptoms. o If dispensing over the counter drugs, keep accurate record of how many and to who it was given.

How Do Athletic Trainers Protect Themselves? o Use only ability capable of using don't act outside capabilities o Don't use faulty equipment o Don't return injured player until cleared by doctor o Never use pain killing drugs that allow athlete to participate o Follow orders of the physician o Communicate clearly with doctors, coaches, athletes, and families

Part of being prepared and avoiding liability is having an emergency care procedure in place and following that procedure.

Release and Waiver o Release - institution is not responsible for injuries (worthless) n Parents can't sign away anything for a minor n Release of information to anyone else other than athlete need a release from the athlete.