Each year people suffer traumatic brain injuries not only in tragic slip and fall accidents and motor vehicle accidents but also on sports fields across the country. It is not only professional athletes like NFL players who suffer brain injuries. Student athletes also suffer from brain injuries.
Some states are considering legislation that would protect student athletes. While there is no legislation that is going to prevent a direct hit to the head, there are steps that states can take that would protect students. For example, some states are considering legislation that would require:
- Coaches to receive training on how to recognize the symptoms of a concussion or brain injury; and
- Students who are hit in the head be required to sit out for the rest of the day and not return to the sport until receiving medical clearance.
According to the Center for Injury Research and Policy, 40% of student athletes return to the sport before it is medically safe to do so. An early return can result in further injury and brain damage. As Illinois brain injury attorneys, we are concerned with the possibility of future problems for students who return to their sport too quickly.
Illinois already mandates that high school athletes be tested for steroid use. Do you think that Illinois should pass legislation that would protect students who suffer brain injuries? Do you think it is necessary? Would it help? Should schools be required to pay damages to students if they do not comply with the law?