Concussion-Related Lawsuits in the NFL
Concussions are nothing new to the NFL or sports for that matter. They have been happening since football began and only in the last 20 years have people really begun to take notice.
Hits to the head used to be considered nothing more than a “ding” and players were just expected to get up and shake it off. If they did lose consciousness, a simple wave of smelling salts and they were back in the game. I personally suffered six concussions in my childhood due to sports and they were never considered a big deal even though one was bad enough to make me forget my name and how to spell simple words.
Times Have Changed
But times have changed and physicians have learned that a simple concussion is not just a “ding” but a traumatic brain injury that can have lasting effects. Because of these lasting effects, more than 125 former pro football players are suing the NFL saying they should have done more to warn players about the dangers of concussions. They also believe that the NFL should be responsible for medical care related to multiple concussions and lasting effects.
Concussions
Concussions are considered a traumatic brain injury and occur when you sustain a blow to the head or your head is shaken violently, such as in a car accident. Concussions are broken down into three categories with a Grade I being mild and a Grade III being severe. Concussions can result in a loss of consciousness, headaches, confusion blurred vision and nausea.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
Post-concussion syndrome is a disorder that causes symptoms similar to those experienced with a concussion but can last for weeks or months after the concussion has healed. In most cases post-concussion syndrome will develop within seven to 10 days after the concussion has occurred and go away within a few months. However, it can last years and have symptoms that are permanent. The more concussions a person receives over a lifetime can increase the chances of permanent neurological damage.
A Workplace Injury
Football players play a game and while many people don’t think about it as a job, this is their employment and they are paid well. However, when you think about it, if you are injured on the job and your injury causes permanent disability, you receive disability and your medical care is taken care of by your employer. If your disability affects your ability to work, you are financially compensated for lost work.
Two of the three main goals in the lawsuit by retired players include the compensation of lost work and medical benefits. The third is to make changes in the way concussions and medical care are handled in the NFL so future injured players are not left on their own.
The NFL argues that the players were aware of the risks but decided to play anyway. Well, unfortunately, that answer just doesn’t cut it. For example, my husband works at a job where he is faced with a risk of injury every day, but if he is injured, his employer is responsible for taking care of that injury. The NFL is an employer and the employees are the players, so why should the NFL think they are any different?
Deborah Braconnier is a former athlete and 20 year medical professional. Working now as a freelance writer, she brings her love for both sports and the medical field together in her writing.
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