Can Sports Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries?
The country is reeling after a recent shooting in South Carolina left six dead, including two children. Even more shocking is that the killer is former NFL player Phillip Adams, a 32-year old athlete who left the league about five years ago. It is unclear why Adams would commit such a senseless crime, mainly because it appears that he does not have a meaningful connection to the victims. In an interview after the shooting, Adams’ father said he suspected that playing football for so many years might have been what caused Adams to act this way. According to the elder Adams, such a crime was totally out of character for his son, and he had suffered extensive brain injuries from concussions over the years.
Unfortunately, traumatic brain injuries are becoming more and more common. In a city like Los Angeles, where there are several professional teams, they are becoming more of a regular occurrence in athletes. If you’re an athlete who has sustained a traumatic brain injury, you should contact a Los Angeles brain injury lawyer to discuss your legal options. Seeking medical treatment for your injuries is critical to keep you – and others – safe. After all, Adams’ case is hardly the first instance of a former athlete committing a serious act of violence.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury usually occurs after a violent blow or jolt to the head. Whether it’s a hard sack or a hard ball, sports injuries can undoubtedly cause a brain injury like a concussion on a frequent basis. Traumatic brain injuries can either be mild or severe, with significant physical and psychological consequences. Generally, symptoms will include headaches, nausea, fatigue, speech issues, dizziness, or loss of balance. Left untreated, a traumatic brain injury can turn into something quite serious – so serious that it can make you delusional, depressed or even psychotic.
What Are My Options After a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Former athletes who think they have suffered a traumatic brain injury and are seeking compensation for their injuries may wish to pursue a lawsuit against the athletic league that once employed them. Most brain injury lawsuits are based on a theory of negligence, similar to most personal injury cases. They essentially claim that someone is legally responsible for the harmed party’s injury because the accused individual failed to exercise a reasonable level of care and caused harm.
For example, a former athlete may allege that the league that employed them knew that the sport was dangerous and did little to prevent serious injury. They could say that some steps they should have taken include stronger equipment to protect against injury, a change in the game rules or ongoing medical treatment to ensure that something more serious wasn’t at play.
Let a Los Angeles Brain Injury Lawyer Help
If you’re a former athlete experiencing the effects of a traumatic brain injury, you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced Los Angeles brain injury lawyer can help you determine the best course of action for receiving the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today.