Youth sports can be highly beneficial for children and teens and teach them about the importance of discipline, teamwork, fitness, and fun. However, these benefits come with the risk of injury, including sprains, broken bones, and head injuries like concussions. At James Alexander Law, our traumatic brain injury attorneys in central New York have seen the long-term impact of concussions and other serious injuries. This guide to concussions in youth sports can help you understand the signs and symptoms and what to do if your child suffers a head injury.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that happens when the brain is jolted inside the skull, typically from violent shaking or blow to the head. Although a concussion can be mild, symptoms of a more serious TBI may not appear for days, weeks, or even months.
The Invisible Injury: Why Concussions Often Go Unnoticed
One of the most concerning aspects of concussions in youth sports is that they are often overlooked. A child who takes a hit during a hockey game or football practice may get right back up and continue playing, seemingly unhurt. Coaches, parents, and even the child may think everything is fine, but inside the body, the brain is struggling to recover from the hit. This is particularly troubling when it happens to children and teens, as their brains are still developing and more susceptible to long-term damage.
An undiagnosed or unhealed concussion can increase the risk of second-impact syndrome, which may happen if a youth returns to playing too soon and is hit again. This can lead to permanent disability or may even be fatal.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Concussions and other TBIs can be challenging to detect, as symptoms can be subtle or take time to appear. Some of the signs to watch for in the hours, days, and weeks following a youth sports injury include:
- Headaches that worsen over time
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Vision and hearing changes or tinnitus
- Fatigue or trouble sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor memory
- Problems with language, such as finding the right words, understanding others, or expressing thoughts clearly
- Slower reaction times
- Emotional and behavioral changes
- Irritability and mood swings
- Depression or anxiety
- Increased sensitivity to stress
- Withdrawal from activities or social settings
Even mild symptoms of a concussion should be taken seriously. It’s vital watch your child closely and go to the emergency room or see a doctor if any of these symptoms appear, even if it’s months after a head injury occurs.
The Long-Term Impact of TBI
When a concussion is overlooked or improperly managed, the repercussions can be life-changing. Some young athletes experience chronic post-concussion syndrome, which may include severe, long-lasting headaches, memory problems, and behavioral and emotional challenges that can interfere with school and everyday life.
In some cases, repeated trauma can lead to long-term brain degeneration and conditions such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Although CTE is more common in professional athletes, it has been found to affect some people who suffered concussions in youth sports. CTE is a serious condition that can result in memory loss, behavioral issues, impaired judgment, and other problems. However, early intervention, proper diagnosis and treatment, and long-term support after a concussion can prevent multiple injuries from happening and help kids and teens avoid developing conditions like CTE.
Filing a Traumatic Brain Injury Claim
If a concussion in youth sports was caused by the negligence or carelessness of another, you may be able to bring a claim for damages against any at-fault party. However, if the injury happened due to a normal, inherent risk of the sport you may not have a case.
If a coach, school, or another organization failed to provide a safe environment, pushed your child beyond reasonable limits, or they were hurt by an intentional act or faulty equipment, you may have a valid injury claim. Our traumatic brain injury lawyers can evaluate your case and advise you on the best way to move forward.
Other Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
Although concussion in youth sports is one of the most common causes of TBI in children and teens, brain injuries can happen in many different scenarios, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck collisions
- Motorcycle crashes
- Construction accidents
- Slip, trip and fall incidents
- Dog attacks
If you or someone you love has been hurt due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness, our traumatic brain injury lawyers in central New York can help you hold them accountable.
When to Contact an Injury Attorney
Whether your child suffered a concussion in youth sports or in a car accident, it’s vital to seek the counsel of an experienced, local traumatic brain injury attorney. These cases require the experience and knowledge of injury lawyers who have a deep understanding of the medical and legal aspects of these complex claims.
How Our Experienced TBI Attorneys Can Help
A traumatic brain injury attorney can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the concussion(s), gather and preserve evidence, and work with medical specialists and experts to understand the severity of a TBI.
In cases involving concussion in youth sports, traumatic brain injury lawyers must demonstrate the short- and long-term physical, emotional and financial costs of a victim’s injury. For more than 40 years, our injury attorneys have successfully recovered compensation for thousands of victims in central New York. We work closely with financial, medical, and sports industry experts to accurately value your claim and build strong cases that get results.
The traumatic brain injury attorneys at our local, family-owned law firm understand the devastating toll a TBI can take on the whole family. We’re committed to helping you get the compensation and justice your child needs and deserves. We handle all communications and negotiations with insurers and won’t back down, even if it means taking your case to trial. Our traumatic brain injury lawyers fight to help you recover compensation for medical bills, ongoing care, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages that can protect your child’s health and future.
No Fee Unless We Recover Compensation for You
Our injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t incur any up-front costs and our attorneys’ fees are paid out of your settlement or award, not your pocket. With two convenient locations in East Syracuse and Rochester, we serve personal injury clients in central New York, the Southern Tier, and surrounding areas.
Contact a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer in Central New York
If your child has suffered a concussion in youth sports or you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, the dedicated team at James Alexander Law is ready to stand by your side. To schedule a free consultation with a traumatic brain injury attorney near you in New York, contact us, call 1-800-529-1333, or use the chat feature on our website to get in touch.
