What is a Concussion?
A concussion is, “a jarring of the brain substance, by a fall, blow, or other external injury, without laceration of its tissue, or with only microscopical laceration.” (Black’s Law Dictionary 364. 4th Ed. Rev. 1968)
Concussions are caused by violent blows or jolts to the head, and result in altered brain function. Concussions are serious injuries, and it is important to recognize the symptoms of a concussion, like loss of consciousness, nausea, dizziness, disorientation, headaches, and other medical issues. Multiple concussions can be life-threatening.
A concussion can have great legal ramifications. It is cited as a term in legal definitions, and included in cases such as Mathews v. Hayne as evidence of severe injuries in accidents. Concussions are specifically important in cases involving personal injury claims or incidents where negligence is alleged. They can lead to claims for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering, and sometimes other damages depending on the circumstances of the injury. Medical records of concussions may serve as evidence.
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Poorly maintained fields increase concussion risk
When it comes to concussions, does it matter what type of field the athletes are playing on?
Head injuries and life-threatening conditions such as CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) in athletes, especially football players, have been getting lots of (long overdue) attention in recent years. In an effort to help protect players, we’ve seen sports leagues, coaches, trainers, medical professionals, and equipment manufacturers work to make the games safer — a better helmet design, teaching safer tackling techniques, greater enforcement of game rules, and earlier detection of head injury to avoid repeated blows. Little attention has been paid to the actual playing surface, even though 1 in 5 concussions involve a head-to-surface collision.
A recent study by the Concussion Legacy Foundation urges athletic organizations and groundskeepers to treat the field with the same care as they would any other piece of valuable equipment or safety technology, […]
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Use Your Head: Kids and Sports Concussions
School is in session, fall is on its way, and football season is upon us. Tonight is the first game of the NFL’s 96th season. It’s an exciting time of year.
If you have a child enrolled in youth sports programs, this is also a good time to educate yourself on the very real possibility of a sports-related head injury. We’ve been hearing of increasing evidence linking football to long-term brain damage, and there’s even a new movie coming out starring Will Smith as the doctor who first made that alarming connection. But, the truth is that concussions can occur in all youth sports. We’re here to dispel some myths and share some practical knowledge on the subject so you can help keep your athlete safe.
What Are the Truths?
First, let’s address some common misconceptions. Think that only professional athletes who spend years playing contact sports are susceptible to sports-related brain damage? […]
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It’s Parks and Recreation Month! Follow These Tips to Avoid a Park Injury
July is National Parks and Recreation Month, according to the National Recreation and Park Association.
Parks can be wonderful for both physical and mental well-being. In addition to providing space for recreation and exercise, spending time outside in nature is good for one’s psychological health, according to a study recently published in the New York Times. But, parks and playgrounds can also be the scenes of serious falls or injuries. Take a look at these safety tips and reminders to help make sure that your next trip to the park goes smoothly.
Falls
Every year more than 200,000 injuries occur on playgrounds or in parks, and falls are the most common type of playground or park injury. Playground falls can result in sprains, broken bones, or traumatic head injuries like a concussion. Proper supervision can help reduce the risk for falls. […]
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Concussion Lawsuit Against NHL Gains Momentum
We’ve already heard a lot about the lawsuit against the NFL filed by thousands of former players and their families who have suffered due to football-related head injuries. A growing body of evidence links traumatic brain injuries (such as those sustained by athletes) to serious long-term effects, drug use, depression, and suicide.
It should come as no surprise that a similar class-action lawsuit against the National Hockey League is gaining momentum. In recent weeks, the number of former players involved in the suit has nearly doubled. Earlier this week, Steve Montador, an NHL retiree with a history of concussions was found dead at the age of 35. It was a concussion that ended Montador’s career in 2012, and he admitted to struggling with depression the following year.
There are several blogs and papers online that explain what many people do not realize about head injuries. […]
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After the Super Bowl: Stats say we love football, as long as our kids aren’t playing
Super Bowl Sunday, more than any other day of the year, reminds us just how much a part of our culture football is. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, or just there for the food and friends, millions of Americans tuned in to see the big game last night. Super Bowl XLIX was the highest rated game in Super Bowl history, and the highest-rated television event of the year.
So, then, what are we to do with the increasing number of studies linking football to concussions and lasting brain damage? A recent Bloomberg poll reported nearly half of American parents don’t want their sons playing football. A study by Robert Morris University indicates that most parents don’t want their children to play football before high school. Another recent study published in the New York Times found that retired players who began playing before the age of 12 had a higher risk for mental problems later in life. […]
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