In my experience working as a personal injury lawyer, I have represented a number of people who have suffered from traumatic brain injuries. Serious head injuries are far more common and dangerous than most people realize. I would rather have a compound fracture of my femur than sustain a permanent, debilitating, brain injury.
Damage to the brain can result from many different things – car accidents, work-related injuries, and even mistakes during surgery and birth. The most common type of head injury – concussions – occur most frequently as a result of sports contact.
This article illustrates how dangerous contact football is on any level. I have to tell you, I am going to do my very best to de-sway my sons, Max and Gus, from playing football. Traumatic brain injuries are an inevitable by-product of the game and are permanent in nature. We are just now learning how progressively devastating they are. Steps like the ones discussed here, are being taken to prevent such harmful head injuries from occurring.
Today, the NCAA reached a preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit brought by former college students as a result of serious brain injuries sustained during college-level athletics.
The settlement is focused on changing the way things are done to prevent serious head injuries in the future. The NCAA has agreed to establish a nation-wide reform of their policies regarding head injuries for student athletes. Under the settlement, the following will occur:
- The NCAA will provide a $70 million fund dedicated to monitoring the health of student athletes with regard to head injuries.
- The NCAA will implement a national protocol for treating concussive injuries in athletes.
- Student athletes will undergo neurological screening, as well as preseason baseline testing.
- The NCAA will donate $5 million to concussion research.
- Concussions in student athletes will be tracked more closely, and players who suffer concussions will not be able to return to games or practices the same day the injury occurred.
- Trained medical professionals will be required at all sporting events.
- Effected players reserve the right to sue their school or the NCAA directly for the damages they suffered as the result of a serious head injury.
While the settlement does not provide any monetary compensation for the injuries suffered by the members of the class, it does something even more important – something I strive to do in every one of my cases – it changes policy, so the tragedy that happened doesn’t have to happen again in the future.
For 33 years, I have been providing my support and expertise to people and their families who have suffered from serious head injuries and other types of catastrophic injuries. My goal is not only to inhibit such damage, but also to fight for innocent victims whose lives have been impaired from their injuries.
If you or a loved one was a victim of traumatic brain injury, you have to call me right away 1 (800) 556-4769. I can help you get the compensation you deserve. As your Ohio catastrophic injury lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For 33 years, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio.” You can reach Tim by email at tmisny@misnylaw.com or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.
