Traumatic Brain Injuries Posing Huge Problems in Sports World
Two leading National Collegiate Athletic Association conferences, the Ivy League and the Big Ten, have recently announced that they will be teaming up to spearhead a joint study on sports-related head injuries. The study will focus on causes, effects, and prevention of head injuries such as concussions—also referred to as traumatic head injuries—which have been the source of much controversy in recent months due to the rising number of professional athletes experiencing negative effects after suffering sports-related head injuries. In fact, the National Football League is currently faced with nearly 100 lawsuits from over 2,600 formerly injured players who claim that the NFL knowingly concealed the long-term effects of concussions.
Announcement Turns World's Attention to Issues Surrounding Concussions
The Ivy League and Big Ten's announcement brings to light the fact that despite the fact that an estimated 1.7 million people each year are inflicted with a traumatic brain injury each year (a number quoted by the Center for Disease Control in 2010), very little is actually known about the potentially life-altering effects of head injuries. In some cases, victims can recover without difficulty. However, with frequent or repeated injuries, severe and permanent brain damage may occur, such as in the case of deceased ex-NFL player Andre Waters. It is for this reason that more and more sports organizations, coaches, parents, and athletes are beginning to reassess the safety of high-impact sports such as football, soccer, hockey, and lacrosse.
When Negligence Becomes Involved in Traumatic Brain Injuries
In the numerous lawsuits against the NFL, the NFL could potentially be held guilty of negligence, or the failure to use reasonable care, resulting in injury or harm to another party. If this is so, the NFL can be liable for permanent brain damage or other injuries its players have suffered due to its failure to provide them with accurate information regarding their physical and mental safety. Similar to the NFL, team coaches, such as those in the NCAA or even those who oversee high-school-level athletic teams, also have a responsibility to uphold the well-being of their players; if, for instance, a player suffers a concussion during a game, his or her coach must assess the injury and wait a proper amount of time before allowing the player to resume participation in the game. If the coach fails to carry out this responsibility and the player later suffers severe injury, harm, or brain damage as a result, the coach may be held legally responsible.
Contact a Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney if You Think a Negligent Party May be at Fault in Your Traumatic Brain Injury
If you or a loved one have suffered difficulties, losses, or pain as the result of the negligence of another party—whether it be an athletic league, a coach, a sports trainer, or doctor—after a traumatic brain injury, you are strongly encouraged to speak with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney who can help you determine your legal options. You may be entitled to recover monetary damages from the liable party to help compensate for losses such as medical bills, treatment costs, lost opportunities, and permanent physical disability. Here at the
Pacific Attorney Group, we are committed to helping brain injury victims recover the compensation they are rightfully owed.
Contact a Los Angeles brain injury lawyer from our firm to set up a
free case evaluation and obtain more information today.