Three high school football players, including one in Rolesville, North Carolina, have died in the span of less than a week. Each of these deaths was related to head injuries, according to doctors and parents close to the young men. These tragedies are merely the latest in what seems to be a growing problem in football at all levels.
The NFL has been involved in high-profile legal action related to former players, who allege that the league failed to adequately warn of and protect them from head injuries. Meanwhile, the NCAA settled a similar suit over the summer and created a $70 million fund to research sports-related brain trauma.
Despite the growing awareness in recent years surrounding brain injuries, many people are still unfamiliar with the causes and symptoms of such injuries and aren’t aware of what to do if they occur. There are several different types of head injury, including concussions, which frequently occur in contact sports; other types of closed head injuries, caused by whiplash and other sudden jolts to the head; obvious, visible injuries caused by sharp or blunt objects and injuries caused by something internal, such as a loss of oxygen.
Brain injury symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, cognitive and behavioral changes, memory loss and nausea. Because symptoms don’t always appear immediately, it’s important to seek medical attention any time a head injury is suspected, not just when symptoms are apparent. Obtaining necessary medical treatment right away is also crucial in the event that the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, as medical records will provide important evidence of the seriousness of the injury.
If you or a loved one believe you may have suffered a serious brain injury as the result of participation in organized sports, you may have grounds to pursue legal action. The North Carolina personal injury attorneys with the Lanier Law Group can provide the information and guidance you need as you explore your options.