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Second-Impact Concussions and Ohio Law
Learn more about second-impact syndrome, and how Ohio lawmakers are seeking to prevent young athletes from suffering harm resulting from multiple concussions.
July 17, 2011 /Womens Interest PR News/ -- For high school and college athletes, competitiveness is often second nature. However, when competitive drive or pressure from coaches inspires players to return to the game too soon after suffering a concussion, serious medical consequences can result.
Second-Impact Syndrome
Although it warrants caution, a concussion typically does not result in lasting injury. However, if a victim suffers a subsequent concussion before the first has fully healed, severe, and sometimes fatal brain injury may occur.
Second-impact syndrome may result from a blow sustained anytime from the day of the first injury up to several weeks later, and neither head impact has to be particularly violent. Symptoms of second-impact syndrome include dilated pupils, inability to control eye muscles, loss of consciousness, and respiratory failure. Athletes under the age of 25 are at the greatest risk for second-impact syndrome.
Pending Legislation and Negligence Liability
If passed, a bill recently introduced in the Ohio legislature would bolster protections for young athletes. Among the proposed second-impact syndrome safety measures are a requirement that student athletes and parents receive a head injury information sheet, mandatory removal from a game or practice session for any school athlete that sustains a head injury or concussion, and a prohibition against allowing an athlete removed for suspicion of a head injury to return to practice or competition before receiving written clearance from a doctor or a licensed athletic trainer.
This legislation may help clarify the role of coaches and school officials in preventing second-impact injuries. If a coach knew or should have known of the risk of severe injury presented by second-impact syndrome but failed to take appropriate measures to mitigate the potential harm, he or she could be held liable for negligence.
Imagine that a coach witnesses an athlete suffer a head impact. Then, when concussion symptoms have abated several days later, the coach puts the athlete in a game without seeking the prior approval of a doctor (even after symptoms disappear, the brain may not be fully healed, and only someone with the proper medical training can fully evaluate an athlete's ability to return to play). The coach may be liable for any resulting second-impact syndrome or traumatic brain injury.
Holding Responsible Parties Accountable
Even a small oversight by a coach could lead to a young athlete's death or permanent disability. If your loved one has been injured during a sporting practice or event, contact a personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.
Article provided by Caravona & Czack, LCC.
Visit us at www.caravona-czack.com
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