Sports-Related Concussions

“I have been there so many times before and NOW I will be there for YOU and your family.”
- Tim Misny - The man that “Makes Them Pay!®”

“Please understand that the slogan, I’ll Make Them Pay!® is not a guarantee of payment. Both liability and real damages must be proven with preponderance of the evidence.” – Tim Misny

Sports-Related Concussions

Concussion Injury Attorney

If your child plays sports or regularly participates in recreational activities, you should know that a sports-related concussion can occur. In college and professional athletics programs, sports-related concussions also occur very frequently. Athletes can suffer long-term consequences as a result of these traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including the degenerative brain condition known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

According to a study in the North Carolina Medical Journal, “concussions are an inherent part of collision sports such as football and soccer,” but this does not mean that these serious brain injuries cannot be prevented.

Coaches, team owners, and other parties have a duty to take preventive measures when it comes to sports-related concussions. It is necessary to ensure that athletes do not prematurely return to the field after suffering a concussion. If you or someone you love sustained a sports-related concussion, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. I am highly experienced in Ohio brain injury law, and I can help you or your family member obtain fair compensation for the injury that was suffered.

Get the Facts About Sports-Related Concussions

 The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) provides some of the following information about sports-related concussions:

  • Sports-related concussions and other TBIs temporarily impair brain functions.

  • Patients with sports-related concussion may have difficultly with issues of memory, speech, balance, and coordination.

  • Concussions typically heal in seven to 10 days, but in post concussion syndrome, symptoms can linger.

  • Once an athlete has suffered a sports-related concussion, that athlete is more likely to sustain another concussion.

  • Repeated sports-related concussions have long-term implications and can sometimes result in death or disability.

  • Certain sports have higher rates of concussions, including football, ice hockey, and soccer.

Sports With Concussion Risk

American Football

American football is a contact sport played with two teams, each aiming to advance a ball towards the opposing team’s end zone. Concussions are common in football due to the high level of physical contact and tackling involved. Players can experience concussions from collisions with other players, helmet-to-helmet hits, or impact with the ground. In recent years CTE has come to the forefront because of its frequency and life-altering impact on players in the NFL. CTE injury claims have been more prevalent of late for brain injury lawyers, like myself.

Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is a fast-paced sport played on ice, where two teams attempt to score goals by shooting a hard puck into the opponent’s net. Players can get concussions from various incidents such as body checks, collisions with the boards, being hit by a puck, or player altercations. Falls on the frozen ice can also result in head injuries. If proper safety practices were not in place, I’ll find out what happened and I’ll Make Them Pay!® I’ve been a personal injury lawyer for more than 40 years, so if you or a loved one suffered a concussion playing hockey because of negligence, call me now.

Soccer

Soccer, also known as football in many countries, is a popular sport played on a large field where two teams compete to score goals by kicking a ball into the opponent’s net. Although soccer is primarily a non-contact sport, concussions can still occur due to player collisions, aerial challenges, accidental head-to-head contact, or collisions with the goalpost.

Lacrosse

Lacrosse is a team sport that originated with Indigenous people in North America and is now played internationally. It involves two teams competing to score goals by shooting a small rubber ball into the opponent’s net using long-handled sticks with netted pockets at the end.

Lacrosse poses a risk of concussions due to several factors. Firstly, the physical nature of the game contributes to the potential for head injuries. Players engage in checking, which involves using their sticks to dislodge the ball from opponents or impede their progress. These checks can sometimes result in accidental high hits to the head, leading to concussions.

Basketball

Basketball is a fast-paced team sport played on a court, where two teams try to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent’s hoop. Although basketball is not typically a high-contact sport, concussions can occur from collisions with other players, accidental elbow or head contact, falls, or collisions with the floor or basketball hoop supports.

Concussion Symptoms

Here is a list of concussion symptoms to watch for while playing sports, along with a brief explanation of how each symptom may indicate a serious concussion:

Headache

A persistent or worsening headache can be a common symptom of a concussion. It may feel like pressure or aching in the head and can range from mild to severe. Headaches lasting weeks after a concussion diagnosis is a sign of post concussion syndrome.

Dizziness or balance problems

Feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or having difficulty with balance can be indicative of a concussion. This symptom may make it challenging to maintain coordination and perform normal movements.

Nausea or vomiting

Experiencing nausea, queasiness, or vomiting can occur as a result of a concussion. It may be triggered by the impact to the head or the changes in the brain’s functioning.

Confusion or disorientation

Feeling confused, disoriented, or having difficulty concentrating and remembering recent events may suggest a concussion. This symptom can affect cognitive abilities and may be accompanied by a sense of fogginess.

Sensitivity to light or noise

Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) or noise (phonophobia) is a possible symptom of a concussion. Exposure to bright lights or loud sounds may exacerbate headaches and overall discomfort.

Fatigue or drowsiness

Feeling excessively tired, fatigued, or experiencing a significant decrease in energy levels can be a sign of a concussion. This symptom may persist even with adequate rest or sleep.

Visual disturbances

Blurred or double vision, difficulty focusing, or changes in visual perception may occur as a result of a concussion. These visual disturbances can impact an athlete’s performance and overall well-being.

Slurred speech

Speech difficulties, such as slurred or incoherent speech, can indicate a concussion. This symptom may be caused by impaired brain function affecting communication pathways.

Memory problems

Experiencing difficulties with short-term memory, such as forgetting recent events or having trouble forming new memories, can be indicative of a concussion. This symptom can affect an athlete’s ability to recall information or follow instructions.

Mood changes

Significant changes in mood, such as increased irritability, sadness, anxiety, or unexplained emotional outbursts, may be associated with a concussion. These mood alterations can result from disruptions in brain chemistry and function.

It is imperative that team owners, leagues take measures to prevent concussions. It is also very important that concussion testing be administered if any of the above symptoms are present when a player is injured or knocked unconscious. I care deeply about the safety of our children, and our athletes. If you feel necessary precautions were not taken, you need to call me. I’m highly experienced in personal injury law, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Concussion Testing In Sports

Concussion testing in sports involves a multi-step process to assess whether a player has suffered a concussion. Coaches and doctors play a crucial role in recognizing the signs and symptoms of a possible concussion in an athlete. Here is a breakdown of the testing process:

Observation and Evaluation

Coaches, trainers, or medical personnel observe players closely during and after a suspected head injury. They look for visible signs like loss of consciousness, disorientation, balance problems, confusion, or any other noticeable symptoms of a concussion.

Immediate Testing

After a suspected concussion, immediate testing is often conducted on the sidelines or in a controlled environment. This typically involves a series of assessments, such as:

  1. SCAT (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) or similar sideline tests: These tests evaluate symptoms, cognitive function (memory, attention, concentration), balance, coordination, and sometimes neck function. They are often standardized and help provide an initial indication of the presence and severity of a concussion.

  2. King-Devick Test: This is a quick eye-movement test that assesses rapid number reading. Slowed or impaired eye movements may indicate a concussion.

  3. Maddocks Questions: A set of simple questions about the game, score, location, or opponent that checks for orientation and memory recall.

  4. Balance assessments: These tests assess the player’s ability to maintain balance in various positions to detect any balance deficits associated with a concussion.

Additional Testing

If the immediate tests suggest a possible concussion or the player’s symptoms worsen, further evaluation may be necessary. Continued participation could lead to serious brain damage. These additional tests typically involve more comprehensive medical assessments, such as:

  1. Neuropsychological Testing: These tests evaluate cognitive function, memory, attention, reaction time, and other aspects of brain function. They provide a more detailed assessment of an individual’s cognitive abilities and can help track recovery progress.

  2. Imaging Tests: In some cases, imaging tests like CT scans or MRI scans may be conducted to rule out more severe injuries or complications, although they cannot diagnose a concussion directly.

It’s important to note that each testing method has its limitations, and no single test can definitively diagnose a concussion. The evaluation process combines clinical judgment, medical history, symptoms, and test results to make an accurate diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment and recovery protocols. If all necessary steps are not taken, it can lead to personal injury cases.

Ultimately, the goal of concussion testing in sports is to promptly identify and manage concussions, ensuring the safety and well-being of the athletes. If a concussion is suspected, it is crucial to follow medical advice, adhere to proper rest and recovery protocols, and gradually return to play under the supervision of healthcare professionals.

If you are an athlete who suffered a concussion, and these steps were not taken, you need to call me today. We’ll discuss the details of your personal injury case, free of charge.

Sports Concussion Protocols

Concussion prevention methods must be in place for all contact sports, and teams must abide by certain concussion protocols to prevent additional harm. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information about return to daily activities and return to play. When teams do not follow concussion safety protocols, they liable for the harm of the player, and possible lawsuits-brain injury cases.

Problems With Brain Development

Cognitive Impairment

Concussions in children can result in cognitive impairments, including difficulties with memory, attention, concentration, and problem-solving skills. These long-term effects may affect academic performance, learning abilities, and overall cognitive functioning.

Emotional and Behavioral Changes

Children who have experienced concussions may exhibit emotional and behavioral changes. This can include increased irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, impulsivity, or changes in social interactions. These alterations may impact their relationships, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.

Sleep Disturbances

Concussions can disrupt normal sleep patterns in children. They may experience difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or excessive sleepiness during the day. These sleep disturbances can lead to fatigue, decreased daytime alertness, and difficulties with concentration and cognitive functioning.

Sensory Disturbances

Some children who suffer concussions may develop sensory disturbances. These can manifest as heightened sensitivity to light (photophobia) or noise (phonophobia), visual disturbances, or problems with balance and coordination. These sensory impairments can impact their daily activities and overall quality of life.

Increased Risk of Future Concussions

Children who have experienced a concussion are often at a higher risk of subsequent concussions. These repeated injuries can lead to cumulative effects on brain development and increase the likelihood of long-term consequences, including; persistent cognitive impairment, emotional disturbances, and greater risk of other neurological conditions.

Timeline for Filing a Sports-Related Concussion Claim in Cleveland

 If you need to file a lawsuit for a sports-related concussion, Ohio law limits the amount of time you have to do so. I want to make sure you get your claim filed on time. Under Ohio law, brain injury lawsuits need to be filed within two years from the date of the injury.

If your claim is not filed within that timeframe, you will have a time-barred claim, and there is likely nothing I can do to change that. However, if you get in touch with me as soon as possible, I will ensure you do not miss your chance to file a lawsuit.

What is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)?

CTE is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is associated with repeated traumatic brain injuries, including concussions. It is often found in individuals who have a history of participation in contact sports, such as football, boxing, hockey, and soccer.

The symptoms of CTE typically appear years or even decades after the repetitive brain trauma has occurred. Symptoms may include cognitive impairments, memory loss, confusion, mood disorders (such as depression, anxiety, or aggression), behavioral changes, difficulties with impulse control, and motor impairments.

It’s important to note that CTE can only be definitively diagnosed postmortem through an examination of the brain tissue. However, ongoing research aims to develop diagnostic methods that can detect CTE in living individuals.

Contact Me – Your Cleveland Concussion Lawyer for Help

 As an experienced Cleveland catastrophic injury lawyer, I know how devastating a concussion or another type of traumatic brain injury can be. I also know that multiple concussions can result in life-long injuries for athletes, and I want to make sure we hold the responsible parties accountable.

When it comes to sports and brain injuries, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Give me a call today to find out more about how I can help you obtain compensation after a sports-related head injury.

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My favorite lawyer. Truly one of the kindest, smartest, and most genuine humans I have ever met. There is only one TIM... MISNY and he will make them pay!! God Bless.read more
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I spoke to Amy and Christine about a possible personal injury case involving my father and they were both helpful,... professional, knowledgeable and responsive. Although they could not help us with our case, I would highly recommend them!read more
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It really comes down to what people say and do when they don't think anyone that matters is listening or they'll get... anything in return.There's the Tim Misny you see on the billboards and on TV, but there's another Tim Misny that I know up close and personal.The Tim Misny I know is genuinely passionate about helping the hard working little folks who get pushed around the big folks. He actually, really honestly cares about people who run into bad luck at no fault of their own. Tim has quietly, out of the sight of cameras and with no fanfare shared generously with the marginalized in our society; single moms, Veterans and others without expecting anything in return.He calls them like he sees them and you wouldn't want to take your troubles to anyone else.read more
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Mr. Misny is an angel here on earth and the BEST attorney in Ohio. He has helped my daughter who is in law school when... she needed the guidance most. He is a class act, a great family man, and extremely caring. If you need a lawyer in this field I would HIGHLY recommend. There is no other lawyer, in my opinion, better than Tim Misny.Thank you Tim for being a light in this community!read more
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Mr. Misny is the best! I am a 27-year-old single mother, and I am finishing law school in May at Cleveland-Marshall... College of Law. When I found myself jobless during the height of the pandemic, I knew I needed help. Going into the legal profession, I wanted to be JUST LIKE Mr. Misny because I knew he was the most successful attorney in the industry. I called him up one day just for the hell of it to see if there was anyway he could help me. I never thought such a big name/reputation like him would respond to me. However, when he learned of my financial situation he PERSONALLY called my cell phone within 5 minutes of my email. Not only has he helped me secure employment, but he continues to teach me every single day what it takes to be the BEST lawyer in the legal profession. I am forever thankful for Mr. Misny. He changed my life. He continues to inspire me every single day, and I am so proud that he took me under his wing and is my mentor. He is the most intelligent, kindest, caring attorney I have ever met, and he is giving me the tools I need to be the most successful lawyer I can be o give my four-year-old son, Gregory, the life he deserves. THANK YOU MR. TIM MISNY. I owe my entire future legal career to you because if you didn't take the time out of your busy day to call me that day and help me when no one else would, I would not have been able to stay in law school. You change lives every single day. Keep being you Tim. There is no one like Tim Misny.read more
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I met Tim 6 years ago when he was working with my mother. Since then we were able to stay in touch and build a... relationship. I reached out to Tim recently about an opportunity and he was able to connect the dots and help me with this. During this process he gave me his direct number to contact him if need be. If you are in need of any sort of help, I would recommend Tim every time.read more
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Tim is hands down the best lawyer in town. He was able to guide me through the legal process and keep me informed at... all stages. Which allowed me to not stress and focus on life. He was able to get me the best deal possible in my court case. One thing that blew me away is that he gave me his direct cell number and answered anytime I had a question which is rare with most lawyers. 100% Misny is the guy! There's a reason he's on literally every billboard in Cleveland.read more
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My relationship with Tim goes back over 30 years and is one of great trust and mutual respect. Tim represented me at a... critical point in my life and I will always be indebted to him for the difference he made. He is always just a phone call away.read more
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If I could reach into the sky just to pull more than 5 stars down for a rating I would! I have used other lawyers in... the past and it was such a pain to reach them when I needed them. Tim is in all honesty there for you. He gave me his personal phone number, and at anytime or any day he answered. If I had to leave a message I could count to 10 and he would already be calling me back. He also was willing to talk on the weekends! He didn’t just forward me to an impersonal automated system or a person with no experience. I will NEVER use another person for legal advice. He’s gracious enough to give me guidance whenever I have a question. No matter how complex. This may sound like an advertisement but I assure you this man was more in touch when I had an issue than my own family. A reasonable and caring family man who will MAKE THEM PAY!Thank you Timread more
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I've had the pleasure of getting to know Tim personally over the past 2 years. Beyond him being an incredible lawyer &... 'Jack of all trades ' he is an amazing friend. One thing I love most is that he is family oriented & always making quality time for his loved ones. He inspires me to be a great role model &father figure one day. Tim loves nature & shares the true beauty of nature with how he raises his kids. From biking through trails & having his kids learn how to nurture the family garden - he teaches valuable lessons on how to appreciate the world we live in. I know that Tim is just a phone call away & always urgent to responding no matter the situation. He has given me some of the greatest advice & continously throwing positive energy my way! I'm honored to know him & be a friend of his. He is the true practioneer of changing lives & paying it forward. He has taught me so much in just a short amount of time. Tim Misny, a man that wakes up every single day to make a difference!read more
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Tim has created a highly visible and effective law practice, and despite his decades of experience, he has never once... forgotten why he got into this business in the first place: to help people. He puts his whole heart into his work, and he works hard for everyone he represents. He has a gift for tuning out the noise and tuning into the core of what his clients need, and making it clear he has heard them. As a result, we feel empowered. He is smart, resourceful, creative, positive, and solution-oriented. His abundant energy makes people feel better, stronger, and valued. He loves and promotes his community; he gives back generously, and he always leaves everything better than he found it. Tim is a true man of action, and a man of his word. Could not recommend him more highly.read more
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As a young man, I worked at a local garden center. I came from a family that had too many problems to list. I felt I... was never destined to be anything good. I had always wanted to be a police officer since I was a little boy. But, one side of my family told me that I would never be good enough to do it. Anytime I brought it up, they knocked me down until I started to believe that I could never accomplish my dream. One day, about 20 years ago, while working at that garden center, a very tall man came in and asked me to help him select plants. As we walked around the garden center, he struck up a conversation with me. He was very friendly and kind. I was a skinny teenager in dirty blue jeans and a t shirt. This man was dressed very nicely and I was surprised at how nice he was to me. During our conversation, he asked me what I wanted to do with my life after school. I told him that I wanted to be a police officer but many people told me that I’d never make it. I told him how my very own father said I wasn’t smart enough, brave enough, and I was wasting my time. I remember looking at the ground while I explained this to him. The man stopped and got serious. His voice dropped an octave and he looked me dead in the eyes. He pointed his finger at me and told me that I could make anything of my life that I wanted. He told me that it was up to ME to make my life goals come true. He told me to ignore anybody who tells me otherwise. He assured me that if I studied hard in school and never gave up on my dreams that they would become a reality. He told me to say it. I said “I can do it”. In that moment, I thought that if a complete stranger saw something in me, than maybe it could be true.After I helped him through the checkout and he left, many different employees at the garden center asked me if I knew who that man was. I did not. They told me, “That’s Tim Misny!” Once I figured out “who” Tim Misny was, my confidence grew. It was a pivotal moment. One in which steered the rest of my life. His words stuck with me. I worked hard and obtained my Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I was hired by a local Law Enforcement Agency at the age of 21. I was sent to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy, which was an extremely tough place to be, to say the least. At the Academy, they try to break those who don’t have a determined spirit. On days I wanted to quit, I remembered Tim’s words. Maybe it was fate, maybe it was random chance.... I’ll never know But, Tim Misny helped me have the confidence and determination that was necessary to be where I’m at today. I’ve been a law enforcement officer for over 16 years. I’ve told this story to many of my coworkers.Tim, you’ll never understand how your words that spring day helped shape my future. Your words enabled me to provide a great life for myself and my family. I’m forever grateful.Mikeread more
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Tim has represented me twice, once 30 years ago and again just recently. I was too young to fully appreciate his... expertise when he represented me the first time (as i was a minor who was the victim of an accident - he won for us, incidentally), but I'm old enough and wise enough now to really appreciate how truly great he is. First off, how many attorney's actually give you their cell phone number and actually answer? I would contend very, very few. Secondly, he has a street fighter mentality combined with a sharp legal intellect which makes you immediately think "I'm so glad this guy is on my side." I was really in a bind recently and Tim came through in spades - he is THE person I would call if I were in trouble or needed help - at a minimum he would know who I should talk to and direct me there (he knows his own limits, which is the key to a wise person) - at a maximum he would take on my fight himself and I'd have full confidence in his ability to deliver the best possible outcome for me - he fights for you like you're family - can't say it better than that.read more
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I worked as an intern for Tim the summer of 2017 and it was an unbelievable experience both for my career and personal... development. He treats his employees with a level of respect, appreciation and honesty that I've truly not seen anywhere else that I've worked. We've stayed in touch these past few years and I'm still learning from Tim, whether it be the way he sees the world, his career advice or his commitment to his family. He's an honest man who treats people honorably.read more
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David Shelton
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I don't know much about Tim the lawyer, but I do know about Tim the man. Tim the man befriended me as a youth and gave... me the motivation to excel in school. Tim the man wrote the letter that got me into college and got me a helpful scholarship. Tim the man gave me an internship while in college. Tim the man has been a friend to me for over ten years. He makes himself available day or night whether I need advice or just want to talk about the day. There a lot of stigmas about attorneys (and they are earned) but Tim Misny bucks the stereotype. And if Tim the lawyer is half a good as Tim the man, he will live up to his word, and make them pay.read more
Mike Mercer
Mike Mercer
00:16 17 Jan 20
WOW! It is the only way to describe the tremendous experience I was afforded, when I contacted and then retained Tim... Misny, to handle a case for me. I had been injured in an automobile accident and needed help and direction, Tim and his staff provided both.The personal attention and clarity of the matter and specifics, gave me a state of comfort and satisfaction that I could have found nowhere else! I will be forever grateful to have Tim Misny as my attorney and my friend!I am a businessman in the Greater Cleveland area and have directed various members of my staffs as well as personal friends to Tim for solutions to their personal injury case needs. All my referrals have been more than pleased with the service and personal treatment they have received from Tim and his staff.I strongly recommend Tim Misny and his associates should you ever need the finest legal services available in Ohio! Trust is his number one priority, trust in knowing that you will be his client second, his friend first!read more
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The Law Offices of Tim Misny

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Disclaimer: All lawsuits are different and the Law Offices of Tim Misny make no representation or promise that it can obtain the same results in other legal matters. Nothing in this webpage constitutes a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of any future legal matter.