About 20 percent of teens report that they have been diagnosed with at least one concussion. There has been a good bit of focus on kids and sports injuries, especially in light of how professional football players’ brains have shown signs of degenerative brain disease linked to blows to the head.
Each year, around 3.8 million concussions occur during competitive sports and recreational activities. But it is also estimated that as many as 50 percent of concussions may go unreported.
Children and teens make up around 70 percent of all sports and recreation-related concussions in the ER.
It can become especially dangerous if a child is allowed to continue to play after getting a concussion. Concussion damage is cumulative, with the damage getting worse with each hit if someone returns to play before they are completely healed.
If a coach knowingly allows a player to play if they have a concussion or concussion-like symptoms, they could be held liable for further injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Concussions are just one form of traumatic brain injury. Other, more severe, TBIs can cause long-lasting damage that can significantly alter someone’s life.
Any time someone suffers a blow to the head, they can get a TBI. This includes:
- Vehicle accidents
- Violence (including domestic violence)
- Penetrating injuries
- Falls
Symptoms from TBIs can range from minor headaches and blurry vision to more major problems like cognitive and memory problems.
These injuries, whether minor or major, can result in hospital stays that can become costly. Often, rehabilitation is necessary to fully recover, causing medical costs to rise even higher.
Some cases can be so severe that there is no full recovery, only an adjustment to a new normal.
What Comes Next?
Don’t wait to seek legal assistance if someone else’s negligence caused you or a loved one to get a traumatic brain injury. If you are hurt and have to be hospitalized, medical expenses can add up quickly.
Will insurance cover all of those costs?
Will they cover lost income if you have to miss work?
The Dante Law Firm, P.A. fight by your side to ensure you are treated fairly. Our traumatic brain injury attorneys in Opa-Locka will review your case and figure out the next steps forward. You can contact us by clicking here or calling 305-949-2526 for a free consultation.