Parents often encourage their kids to play sports while growing up in order to build character, increase social skills, and learn valuable life lessons. A recent tragic accident in a grudge match high school football game has two parents reconsidering how safe it is to have children participate on a sports team. The grieving parents recently witnessed their son die from a sports-related traumatic brain injury at a New York high school football game.
The New York Times describes the situation as just another routine play at the goal-line — one we have seen thousands of times at a high school football game. Only one young man did not get up from the pile like everyone else. The high school defensive tackle laid face down on the field, somewhat groggy but responsive when his coach and medical personnel reached him to give medical attention.
Shortly thereafter he began to moan, his eyes closed and when he tried to stand he quickly collapsed. Within two hours the 16-year-old football player was pronounced dead at University Hospital after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage according to the autopsy report. There is some speculation that helmet-to-helmet contact made in the prior play may have led to the head injury that took the athlete’s life. 
Manhattan traumatic brain injury lawyers know that cerebral hemorrhages and concussions are a serious concern for parents whose children participate in sports and youth activities. They can lead to more serious medical conditions.
A recent article in Reuters reports that traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in youth athletes have become more common in the last decade, rising 60 percent. This may not be so much that more injuries are occurring but rather more children are being taken to the emergency room for these injuries suffered while playing a sport. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 153,375 TBI cases in 2001. Eight years later, the number of reported cases grew to more than 248,400. According to CDC, football, biking, playground activities, soccer and basketball are the most common sports activities reported to cause TBI accidents.
The CDC reported that over 70 percent of hospital emergency room visits are children ages 10-19 years-old. Girls were injured most by playing soccer, basketball or riding a bike while boys were mostly injured in football or biking activities.
Researchers believe that parents and coaches have become much more aware of TBI injuries which has likely contributed to the numerous emergency room visits taking place throughout the country. They are beginning to understand the dangers and severe consequences that affect a child’s emotions, learning, memory and behavior that can result from these injuries.
CDC reports that of the 1.7 million people sustaining a TBI injury annually, 80 percent are treated and released from the emergency room the same day. TBI is a serious condition but if detected early enough, it can be treated to prevent life-changing or long-term effects.
The following are symptoms to look for if your child suffers a head injury in practice or a game:
-Athlete seems dazed or stunned after a forceful blow or jolt to the head or body.
-An athlete begins to move awkwardly, responds to questions slowly, demonstrates a sudden mood swing, and can’t recall events prior or after being hit in the head.
-Athlete begins vomiting, complains of a headache and dizziness, can’t concentrate, vision becomes blurred, or they have an increased sensitivity to noise or light.
Coaches or school administrators have an obligation to communicate to parents if they suspect a concussion or serious head injury has taken place and should take every precaution to prevent further damage to the young athlete’s brain.
If your child has suffered a head trauma or concussion in a school-related activity or sporting event in Manhattan or Queens, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC. Call 1-877-313-7673 for a free appointment with an experienced injury lawyer today.
Additional Resources:
Routine Goal-Line Play Leads to a Sudden Death and Unsettling Questions, by Jorge Castillo, The New York Times.
Sports-related brain injuries in youngsters soar, CDC says, by Lauren Keiper, Reuters.
More Blog Entries:
Parents Concerned with Child Injuries for Kids Walking, Biking, Riding to School in Manhattan, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, August 17, 2011.
New York Spinal Cord Injuries Require Immediate Legal Representation, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, May 7, 2011.
