Brain injuries can be caused by motor vehicle accidents, falls, and workplace accidents. But they can also occur in sports. Football is a major sport in America and many athletes can suffer from head trauma, mainly concussions. When someone suffers from brain trauma, their mental and physical health are both at risk.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a brain injury, you may be able to get compensation for your injuries. A West Virginia brain injury lawyer from DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC will help you with your claim and make sure you get the help you need. Brain injuries can lead to expensive medical bills and future rehabilitation. Knowing you have a financial cushion will allow you to focus on your recovery.
What Causes Concussions in Football?
Football is an aggressive, physical sport that encourages hitting other players. Athletes who participate in contact sports tend to have a higher risk of getting an injury. One of the main components of football is tackling, where players will attempt to stop another player from advancing with the ball. While there are regulations with tackling to make them safer, players don’t always follow them.
The main component of a “safe” tackle is for the player to keep their head up, so they don’t lead the tackle with their head. When a player keeps their head down, the force of the tackle mainly impacts the head.
There are a few signs that will show a person has a concussion. It’s important to know that all symptoms don’t present immediately after a hit. Some may show up a few hours later. Concussions can be recognized by the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Confusion or Being Dazed
- Trouble Speaking and Responding
- Feeling Fatigued
- Feeling Nauseous
Later symptoms may include having issues with memory and sleeping, a personality change, or onset of mental illness like depression.
Concussions can have serious consequences if they’re left untreated for a long time. Traumatic brain injuries can alter how your brain functions. If the brain swells or bruises, the results can be fatal.
How Often Do Head Injuries Occur in Football?
The NFL tracks the amount of concussions per season, which includes the pre-season and practices.
- 2016 had 244 concussions.
- 2015 had 275 concussions.
- 2014 had 206 concussions.
Professional NFL athletes who get concussions are at risk of having future complications with their brains later in life. Retired NFL players who had concussions have issues with cognitive function, memory loss like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and depression. One of the most serious consequences is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Those who have repetitive brain damage can develop this degenerative brain disease that kills brain cells. CTE usually shows up years after the head injuries.
But this issue isn’t only with the NFL. Young children and teenagers whose brains are still developing play football. The repetitive hits from tackling can cause concussions in young players that affects brain development. This can impact their schoolwork, social lives, and overall their growth into an adult.
Brain injuries can cause permanent effects that can drastically change a person’s life. When someone else is liable for the brain injury, you deserve legal representation who will fight for you. The lawyers at DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC are experienced and passionate about fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves and we’ll do everything to get you a fair settlement.
