The world knows more about concussions than it ever has before. It was highlighted in the 2015 film Concussion and continued with the report done by Dr. McKee in July 2017. That report studied the brains of 202 former football players and found that 87% had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a broad term given to a number of different types of brain damage.
No one expected those kinds of numbers.
Concussions Happen Everywhere
Most people would be shocked to find out that this brain damage happens in children’s leagues, too. Repeated concussions and blows to the head are what cause CTE. The problem? These children’s leagues involve contact sports, even when they’re not supposed to be. Out on the field, kids knock into each other, hit the ground, and get hurt in a number of ways. Often, especially when it comes concussions, kids don’t even know that they’ve been injured.
But the problem is exacerbated when a coach, who should know better, realizes that a player has been injured and plays him anyway. Maybe it’s because that player is the best on the team; or perhaps simply because the roster is a little short that day. Whatever the reason, coaches—both in the majors and in the minors—will play players even when they know they shouldn’t.
Take Your Kids’ Safety Seriously
So what are parents to do?
First, keep an eye on your children at all times when they’re on a sports field. If any hit or injury looks like it may be dangerous, pull them off the field. And if you notice your child acting hurt but the coach has put your child back in to play, pull him or her out of the game, and have a doctor’s examination done right away. If there is an injury present, and the coach disregarded it, he or she could be held liable.
Coaches owe a duty of care to the children who are in their care. They must act reasonably and responsibly, and ensure that all of the children are safe throughout the entire game or practice. While there is some accepted risk with sports, no one should ever have to play after suffering something as serious as a concussion.
If your child suffered a head injury while playing, call The Husband and Wife Law Team at (928) 585-5581. The people you put in charge of your children’s care should be held to the highest level of responsibility. When they don’t live up to it, there may be compensation you can claim for medical expenses and more. Contact our child injury attorneys today so we can review your case.