Fall is officially here. Many people take football very seriously, whether they are sports fans or parents whose kids are on high school football teams. It is no secret however, that football is also associated with traumatic brain injuries and other catastrophic injuries.
In the month of September, three high school football players have died from injuries sustained on the football field. The most recent tragedy involved a football player from New Jersey who sustained a lacerated spleen after getting hit on the field. The star quarterback collapsed and died as a result of internal bleeding caused by the ruptured spleen. After the hit, the quarterback was able to walk off the field with help from his teammates, but collapsed on the sidelines shortly after.
The second tragedy involved a high school football player from Louisiana who died shortly after being transported to a hospital. He was hit during a punt return. According to reports, he broke his neck; however, the cause of this death is still under investigation.
The third high school football player was from Oklahoma, and he sustained a hard hit resulting in a head injury during a football game. He was rushed to a hospital where he underwent surgery and was in a medically induced coma to lower the pressure in his head from the head injury. However, he died 8 days later in the hospital.
For many parents, these recent tragedies highlight the dangers and risks of injury associated with football. In addition, there has been so much media coverage about the link between permanent brain injuries and football.
Related: PA & NJ Sports Injuries/Accidents – How To Avoid Common Sports Injuries
Though it is the job of coaches and trainers to protect their players, i.e., make sure they use the proper tackling techniques to avoid head injuries and other injuries, parents also need to know how to protect their children. For instance, parents need to know and recognize the signs of concussions. If their child is dizzy, throwing up and/or lethargic after a game, it is important to seek medical attention as it may be a sign of a concussion. Going back on the field with a concussion may lead to a permanent brain injury or even death when there is a second impact.
Daniel J. O’Brien, Esq. is a life-long athlete who has helped athletes injured in sports related accidents. He has helped athletes who suffered serious orthopedic injuries and traumatic brain injuries as a result of someone’s negligence. For a FREE consultation, call 877.944.8396
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