Strong representation for children who have suffered serious injuries in accidents owing to defective products, negligence or the willful misconduct of others is a central component of our practice. Kids are among the most vulnerable of all people when it comes to safeguarding themselves against both known and unknown dangers.

In previous blogs, we have highlighted some of those dangers, believing that we provide a real service to the public when we disseminate news that educates people about risks to children. Our blogs have discussed drowning, bicycle injuries, burns, falls, household toxins and sledding accidents.

Now we add to the list the seemingly child-safe and often-recommended activity of basketball -- not to dissuade participation, but, rather, to pass along findings from health experts that parents and other care providers might simply want to know about.

The findings come courtesy of a study authored by Lara McKenzie of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. They reflect data compiled over a recent 10-year period that addresses basketball injuries among children.

McKenzie doesn't mince words, calling a dramatic increase in traumatic brain injuries suffered in court injuries over the study period "cause for alarm." Her view is seconded by Dr. Lyle Micheli, a professor at Harvard Medical School, who says that the findings are "no surprise."

From 1997 to 2007, more than 4 million kids visited emergency rooms across the country for basketball injuries. Traumatic brain injuries - including concussions - increased 70 percent over the period.

As to why, McKenzie posits two factors: the increased size of players and the growing competitiveness of the game.

Micheli tasks parents to think about their kids' involvement in sports, especially ongoing leagues that stress competition and constant play. "That's the real challenge for every family," he says. "How much is enough and how much is too much?"

Related Resource: www.businessweek.com "More kids who play basketball suffering head injuries" September 13, 2010