In January, the family of former pro football player Junior Seau, who committed suicide last year, hired a brain injury lawyer to sue the NFL, alleging it failed to protect the 20-year veteran defensive player from long-term effects of repeated blows to the head. The Seau suit is among more than 190 like it against the NFL from about 4,000 former players who claim head trauma was a proximate cause of a host of issues including depression, addiction, suicide, and more according to a USA Today report.
Litigation involving brain injuries has also been seen in hockey. The families and doctors of several former NHL players such as Reggie Fleming, Rick Martin and more recently the deceased New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard, have also alleged the same issues. In these cases, each hockey player, as well as Seau and other NFL players were found to have Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, commonly known as C.T.E., which is a close relative of Alzheimer’s disease.
These are just a few of the examples of sports-related brain injuries. However, brain injuries are not exclusive to adults. Many children suffer concussions while engaging in sports activities both at school and in non-school sporting leagues and recreational activities. Many times children are not equipped properly with adequate helmets or other head protection. Also, sometimes the head protection is not fitted correctly. According to the Center for Head Injury Services, roughly 2 million traumatic brain injuries occur each year, equaling one every 15 seconds. The sheer volume alone paves the way for a flood of possible legal ramifications, including negligence from the improper use or fitting of head protection for children . A brain injury lawyer can help. Peer-reviewed research has been published in recent years suggesting that physical trauma to the head can lead to potentially debilitating and possibly deadly effects.
With an attorney fighting for your rights it may be possible to recoup financial compensation for things such as loss of income, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. In sports related issues, the employer or promoter might be held liable for fraudulently concealing or misrepresenting the associated dangers. The manufacturers of headgear may be liable for failing to develop a product that insulates or helps mitigate injuries. With children, the school district, athletic league, or even the supervising adult or coach may be found negligent and homeowner’s insurance may be involved.
Brain injuries can be traumatic and effect the entire family. Brain injury lawyer, Edith A. Pearce and her team at The Pearce Law Firm can fight for financial compensation if you or a loved one has suffered from a head injury. Call today for more information or to schedule your consultation.