As Will Smith’s latest film Concussion premiered in theaters on Christmas Day, the subject matter sparked a national conversation about head injuries for football players. Although the film focused on head trauma and the resulting consequences for adult professional athletes, recent data shows that the American public is concerned with these issues for young football players as well.
According to Dr. Sharief Taraman, a pediatric neurologist at Children’s Hospital of Orange County, California, “There’s definitely an increase in concern for players at all levels. Although it started with NFL players having these tragic outcomes, it’s trickled down to even the pediatric level.”
A recent Harris Poll asked Americans a number of questions related to football head injuries in youth and professional players, finding that the majority of respondents advocate an increase in precautions and safety measures, particularly among young athletes. For example, 79% of Americans surveyed said that youth football leagues should regulate aggressive tackles that can lead to head injuries in their players.
The vast majority of respondents also said that helmet designs should be modified to better prevent head injuries such as concussions. Unfortunately, helmets have been more effective at preventing head injuries such as skull fractures and scalp lacerations than concussions in the past.
Generally, sports equipment represents a significant precautionary measure, necessary for the safety of athletes and young and old. As such, sports equipment that is defective in its design or manufacturing can expose innocent young athletes to severe injuries, from traumatic brain injuries to bone fractures.
According to data reported by Safe Kids Worldwide, over 2.6 million children ages 19 and under seek emergency medical care for sports and recreation-related injuries each year. When these sports-related injuries are caused by defective sports equipment, the victim may have grounds for a product liability lawsuit against the product designer, manufacturer, distributor, or any other party in the product distribution chain.
Although no monetary sum can truly compensate for the suffering of an innocent victim, those responsible can be forced to provide for medical expenses, rehabilitative care, long-term necessary accommodations, loss of future income, and pain and suffering.
For example, Fronzuto Law Group recently obtained a $14.5 million award on behalf of a young boy who sustained a traumatic brain injury and suffered permanent disability as a result of a defective aluminum youth baseball bat. This story and so many others like it are devastating, calling for justice in the face of such unconscionable negligence. If you or someone you love is found in similar circumstances, our attorneys are always available to answer your questions. Simply contact our offices at 973-435-4551for additional information.
For additional information related to America’s Growing Concern for Football Head Injuries, access the following resources:
- https://www.theharrispoll.com/sports/Football-Injuries.html
- https://www.wmbfnews.com/story/30799759/americans-growing-more-concerned-about-head-injuries-in-football
