Sports are an important part of life for many Americans (especially teenagers), but what happens when an athlete suffers a serious brain injury as a result?
If you or a loved one suffered a head injury, concussion, or traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of a contact sport (such as football), you may very well be owed compensation for any related damages and losses your family suffered as a result. Liability can be quite complex when it comes to these types of injury claims, which is why we’re happy to discuss the facts of your case (and your legal options) at no charge.
The brain is delicate and complex. Any type of brain injury can result in serious neurological effects which may negatively affect the victim for the rest of their life. Additionally, many victims not only have to worry about their existing medical bills, they may also require years of rehabilitation and follow-up treatments.
We understand that paying for such medical treatment can place a heavy financial burden on many families, but this is why personal injury attorneys exist. Through a personal injury claim, our attorneys may be able to help you recover compensation for your existing (and expected future) medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and more. Call us today at 1-800-ATTORNEY for a free consultation.
Sports Concussions & Traumatic Brain Injuries
For a long time, people willfully ignored the serious risks associated with concussions caused by contact sports. Luckily, today we understand a lot more about how concussions affect the brain, as well as how they can result in neurological disorders (such as CTE) later in life.
A concussion can occur even when there are no obvious signs of physical injury, and the most-serious symptoms may not be apparent until days later. Any contact to the head that results in a temporary loss of conscious, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, or nausea should be treated as a medical emergency. Failure to seek medical treatment and mitigate such a head injury could lead to long-term complications such as recurring migraines, personality changes, dementia, or even wrongful death.
Common indicators and warning signs of a traumatic brain injury include:
- Confusion
- Splitting headaches
- Memory loss or forgetfulness
- Poor judgment and impulsive actions
- Difficulty understanding words and delayed responses
- Depression and/or rage
The Risk of Repeat Concussions
It’s estimated that 21 percent of all traumatic brain injuries involving those under the age of 18 are due to contact sports. Children and teenagers who suffer concussions or head injuries may go on to suffer permanent neurological complications due to the fact that their brain has not fully developed.
Amazingly, some coaches do not seem to fully understand (or choose to willfully ignore) the seriousness of a concussion. Many student athletes are coerced back into action far too early, which puts them at risk of what’s referred to as “second impact syndrome.”
Second impact syndrome (SIS) occurs when someone suffers a second concussion before the symptoms from an earlier one have subsided. Even the mildest grade concussion can trigger SIS, which is characterized by rapid brain swelling and massive cerebral edema. Tragically, second-impact syndrome almost always results in severe brain damage, and often proves fatal.
How Might an Attorney Be Able to Help?
The issue of liability is complex in any personal injury case, and that’s especially true with sports-related injuries. Luckily, the lawyers at 1-800-ATTORNEY are happy to consult with you, free of charge, either over the phone or by email. We’ll look into the facts of your case and help evaluate the strength of your claim. If we feel as though you have a strong case, we can even help pursue a claim on your behalf on a no-win, no-fee basis.
If warranted, we’re happy to review the policies of the school or organization (as well as any signed release forms), investigate any potential safety violations, interview teammates or witnesses who may have seen the injury take place, as well as check whether or not the equipment used was adequately maintained, offered reasonable protection, and was approved for use.
If someone’s negligence (or defective safety gear such as a helmet) led to a concussion or traumatic brain injury, our attorneys are here to ensure that your interests are protected, and that you stand the best chance at recovering every penny that you deserve. Call us today at 1-800-ATTORNEY.