A traumatic brain injury is when “…a sudden, violent blow or jolt to the head [occurs]. The brain is launched into a collision course with the inside of the skull, resulting in possible bruising of the brain, tearing of nerve fibers and bleeding.”
According to statistics, 1.6 to 3.8 million concussions occur in sports and recreation-related activities each year. Two more former football players have filed lawsuit against The National College Athletic Association (NCAA) for concussions and brain injuries.
The men are seeking more than $5 million in damages. The class action suit was filed in the U.S. District Court of Southeastern Indiana this week. The athletes said that they were told they would be competing in a “protected college environment” and yet both sustained multiple head injuries. The NCAA, helmet manufacturer Riddell and its parent company, Easton-Bell Sports, are all named in the lawsuit. The NCAA is facing another concussion lawsuit in Illinois.
In September the NCAA chief legal officer said, “While the NCAA continues to believe these allegations are inappropriately made against the NCAA, we are willing to consider reasonable mediation options that address student-athlete health and safety concerns, which has always been our priority.”
What Causes Brain Injuries & Statistics
Athletes aren’t the only ones who sustain brain injuries. Brain injuries can affect all genders and age groups. Besides sports, other common causes of brain injuries include falls, motor vehicle accidents, blasts/combat injuries, assaults and struck by/against events. According to statistics:
Every 15 seconds, one American man, woman or child sustains a significant traumatic brain injury
One-third of injury related American deaths (or 50,000 deaths) are linked to TBI
About 230,000 hospitalizations occur annually in the United States as a result of TBI
About 2 million American adults and children suffer from traumatic brain injury annually
Symptoms of TBI
Symptoms of a brain injury include unconsciousness, memory loss, confusion and disorientation, headache, dizziness, nausea, blurry vision, ringing in the ears, trouble speaking coherently, difficulty remembering new information and changes in emotions/sleep patterns. Traumatic brain injury can include a mild traumatic brain injury, moderate traumatic brain injury or severe traumatic brain injury. TBI can also include an “open head” injury, or penetration of the skull, or a “closed head” injury, where no penetration of the skull occurs.
Were you injured? There is a chance you can file a personal injury lawsuit!
If you suffered a traumatic brain injury, it is likely because of someone’s negligence. Whether someone attacked you, you were not given the proper sports protective gear or you slipped and fell at a store, there is a chance you can fight for compensation. To seek damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of income, rehabilitation and more, contact our experienced team at AMA Law today! We have secured over $75 million on behalf of our clients and have extensive experience handling TBI cases; call for a free consultation now!