Sports and the Risk of Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries can develop when the head and brain are impacted by a significant blow or jolt. There are a number of accidents that can result in traumatic brain injury, or TBI. A leading cause of traumatic brain injury in the United States is sports injuries.
Brain injuries caused by sports are often preventable. If the reckless or negligent actions of another person or party results in a traumatic brain injury, the victim may be due financial compensation for resulting losses.
The traumatic brain injury lawyers at Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC can help victims in the Oklahoma City, OK, area explore their legal options following a brain injury.
Which Sports Cause the Most Traumatic Brain Injuries?
When people think about sports that result in traumatic brain injury, football is usually the first to come to mind. Recently, a lot of attention has been brought to the issue of concussions among football players, and the long-term effects that repeated concussions can have on the brain.
Football is definitely a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. However, there are many sports that can cause a traumatic brain injury, and some of them may not seem so obvious.
According to data reported by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the ten sports with the highest estimated number of head injuries treated in United States emergency rooms are:
- Cycling
- Football
- Baseball/softball
- Basketball
- Water sports
- Powered recreational vehicles (i.e. ATVs, mini bikes, etc.)
- Soccer
- Skateboarding
- Gym/fitness exercises
- Skiing/Snowboarding
Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury can leave injury victims with impaired cognitive, physical, or emotional functions. The effects of these injuries may be short or long-term, depending on the severity of the injury. Potential side effects of a TBI include:
- General confusion
- Loss of memory
- Slurred speech
- Changes in behavior and attitude
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Weakness in the extremities
Preventing Brain Injuries from Sports
There is an inherent risk involved with many sports. However, there are steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of brain injuries for athletes, and to ensure that athletes who are injured receive the prompt care that can prevent long-term complications from brain injuries.
- Provide players with proper protective gear
- Enforce the rules
- Remove athletes from play if they are participating in aggressive or illegal play
- Teach safe techniques and evasive measures for avoiding head injuries
- Have a concussion protocol in place
Compensation for Damages
Traumatic brain injuries affect our Oklahoma City clients in many ways. Aside from the physical and emotional challenges associated with TBIs, there are financial losses to consider. TBIs often require extensive medical care. When injuries are severe, patients may require medical services long-term. In addition, recovery may necessitate taking time off of work, which will result in diminished income.
If a preventable sports injury results in physical, emotional, and financial losses, someone should be held accountable. Our traumatic brain injury lawyers are prepared to build a case that demonstrates liability for sports injuries resulting in TBI so that our clients can receive financial compensation for the full extent of their losses.
Learn More
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury while participating in a sport, you may have a legal right to financial compensation. To discuss your case in further detail with one of the knowledgeable attorneys at Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC, send us a message at your earliest convenience, or call our Oklahoma City office at (405) 673-8021.
