Millions of young people in the United States play sports on a regular basis. From gymnastics to football, soccer to lacrosse, sports are important from a cultural, health, and social perspective. And while there is no doubt that playing sports can help children and adults to maintain physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle, as well as develop important skills, sports-related brain injuries are an emerging risk. In fact, according to a report published by S&P Global Ratings and cited by Insurance Journal, sports-related brain injuries are one of the top emerging insurance claims in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
School Sports and Brain Injuries
Unfortunately, a large portion of the population that is implicated in the connection between the rise of brain injuries and playing sports are school-aged children and teens. To be sure, ISM refers to a study in the Journal of Pediatrics which found that between 2002 and 2011, there was a 92 percent increase in emergency room visits from brain injuries related to playing sports. Further, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there are more than 500,000 emergency room visits per year for childhood traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and sports-related injuries are a contributing factor.
Recognizing the Signs of a Brain Injury After a Sports Accident
Some sports are more dangerous than others. For example, football has received a lot of negative press in recent years for its high rates of concussions amongst players, both children and adults. All sports, however, have the potential to be dangerous if the head is hit, including football, horseback riding, swimming, martial arts, and more.
If a child’s head is hit while playing a sport, it is important that medical care is sought and parents watch for any signs of a concussion. Signs of a brain injury might include:
- Poor memory
- Slurred speech
- Sleepiness
- Unconsciousness
- Changes in appetite
- Emotional changes
- Lack of coordination
- Dilated pupils
- Blurred vision
- Anxiety
- Lack of concentration
What to Do after a School Sports Injury Causes a TBI
Sports, especially high school sports, are a huge part of American culture. However, these sports can be, and often are, dangerous for young players. If your child has sustained a sports-related traumatic brain injury, it may be within your best interest to discuss the accident and related damages with a Bronx brain injury lawyer. Your attorney can help you to investigate the accident to determine whether or not the negligence of a coach, school, school district, or other party (such as another player) contributed to your child’s accident. From there, we can guide you through the process of recovering the compensation that you and your family deserve.
To learn more about your family’s options after a traumatic brain injury caused by a sports accident, contact the Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum for a free consultation or call 718-237-5586. Our aggressive Bronx brain injury lawyer will advocate for you.
