Concussions & Youth Athletes

Diana Colon watched as the Miami Dolphins quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, hit the ground after being tackled during a game, and her stomach dropped. No, she didn’t know Tagovailoa, but she definitely knew what the aftermath of a head injury could be, and this was certainly not Tagovailoa’s first one. Would he face the same horrific consequences of playing football that Colon’s son had?

Colon’s Story 

It was 2011 when Colon’s son faced the ultimate penalty of suffering a concussion. Daniel had been playing the sport since the age of eleven, and by the age of 16 he was what his mom described as a football addict with a dream to play for the University of Miami after graduating from high school. That dream did not materialize. During one practice with his high school team Daniel started to stumble and told his coach he couldn’t see. It was one of many head injuries that had led to these and other symptoms such as headaches and depression. In 2011 there wasn’t nearly the understanding of concussions that we have today, and Daniel sunk into a deeper and deeper depression, until one day he took his own life. His mom says that the thing he loved the most—football—is what killed him.

The NFL and Head Injuries

Concussions are so commonplace in the NFL that over $500 million in claims were paid out during the past couple of years. If they complete a baseline health assessment, players may be eligible for compensation for up to 60 years if they develop a qualifying condition–such as dementia, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, or other issues related to concussions– down the road. Nearly 2,000 claims later, players are being compensated for their injuries. It’s good for professional football players, but, unfortunately, youth athletes who play sports like football, soccer, rugby, and more, often experience the very same types of injuries while they’re still in school.  What’s being done for them?

Treating Youth Athletes 

These days, a diagnosis of a concussion for youth athletes is more common than ever. One Florida physician from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital reports that in a five-year period, over 3,000 children were treated for head injuries related to sports activities. Instead of treatment ending with a quick visit to the ER, now doctors are recommending treatment options that are more comprehensive. Using phones and computers after a head injury can actually make matters worse for patients.

According to one University of Maryland Medical Center sports medicine physician, a complete recovery after suffering a concussion is crucial. But it can be difficult for that to occur because patients are different, and experience concussive injuries in different ways. That makes diagnosing a recovery plan tricky. Recently, there have been attempts to assist athletes through what’s known as active recovery even when they have no symptoms. They can then return to play, but doctors should be on the watch for reemerging symptoms.

 Was the Injury Preventable? 

If your child has experienced a serious head injury while playing sports, and if the injury was the result of negligence, you may have a cause of action against the responsible party. That could translate into money to address medical bills and more. The knowledgeable Kissimmee personal injury attorneys at Salazar & Kelly Law Group understand the elements that must be proven in this type of case. If you think you may wish to sue, let our diligent attorneys take a look at your case. Schedule a confidential consultation in our Kissimmee office today.

Source:

nbcmiami.com/news/local/south-florida-mom-discusses-youth-concussion-risks-after-losing-son/3417285/