A recent study has revealed that even a minor traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause lasting damage. Little has been studied about the effects of minor TBI in the past, as medical professionals often focus on more serious cases of injury that result in more obvious damage. According to the study, however, even those with slight damage may suffer ongoing cognitive and behavioral effects that can be permanent and ongoing.
What is Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, occurs when there is damage to the brain from an outside force. TBI can occur if the head is struck violently, if there is a loss of oxygen to the brain or the person is involved in a high impact that smashes the brain against the skull. Some of the most common side effects of TBI are difficulty with verbal fluency, confusion and memory loss, headaches and dramatic mood changes. These effects can be temporary or permanent depending on the extent and duration of the damage.
A group of former NFL players are suing the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) for allegedly withholding information about the long-lasting effects of repeated blows to the head. The suit alleges that the Association had access to credible information regarding the long-term effects of TBI, but kept this information from the players. The former players are seeking damages to cover the cost of medical care and other losses caused by the Association’s alleged willful inaction.
The fact the players are suing comes as no surprise to experts in the field. There have been extensive studies that show that even minor concussions can cause debilitating damage. Tennessee is one state that has enacted legislation to avoid traumatic brain injury in sports teams. The Tennessee Sports Concussion Law requires parents to sign a waiver acknowledging that they are aware of the risks of head injury before enrolling their children in football, soccer and other contact sports. Under the law, players are required to be cleared by a physician if they suffer a concussion. The Tennessee law also mandates that coaches immediately remove a player who suffers a concussion during a game or practice.
Injured? Seek Help Today
Traumatic brain injury can have lasting effects on cognition, memory and behavior. There is a wide body of evidence that shows that even minor closed head injuries can cause irreparable damage in children and adults. If you or your child has suffered a brain injury in Tennessee, it is important that you consider seeking legal counsel.
When it comes to getting treatment for a brain injury, every second counts. Get the care you need, and then seek compensation for the trauma you have suffered. Call us today at Attorney Group for Tennessee for a free consultation. We can help answer your questions, help you determine if you have a case, and connect you with an affiliated Tennessee attorney who can assist you in filing a lawsuit. Contact us to learn more.
