Although public awareness of the potential long-term consequences resulting from a brain injury has improved, a recent article provides a good refresher.
Some of the improvement is attributable to the NFL’s revised concussion policy, brought in response to litigation from former players now experiencing serious medical issues in their retirement. At the high school level, however, more may yet need to be done.
Specifically, a research study spanning seven years indicates that over half of high school students who played football had reduced cognitive functioning or some form of neurological trauma. Notably, victims displayed those long-term symptoms even when more typical signs associated with a concussion were not present.
Our law firm focuses on a variety of personal injury claims, including those arising from head trauma or brain injuries. The causes of brain injury can be as varied as the symptoms, ranging from car or truck accidents to workplace accidents. Regardless of the cause, the symptoms of a brain injury may not manifest immediately after the accident. Consequently, it can be helpful to think about a brain injury as a lifelong chronic disease. From that perspective, an individual may be better situated to request adequate compensation for diminished functionality, monitoring, and/or other long-term care needs.
Source: Wall Street Daily, “Alarming Rise in High School Brain Injuries,” Martin Denholm, Nov. 18, 2015
