Readers in New Haven are likely aware of the dangers that come with playing football. Although the sport requires players to wear padding and helmets to protect them during the course of the game, many who play or have played the game have suffered serious injuries.
A high school football player in New Jersey reportedly suffered a brain injury recently, which not only put his future aspirations of playing in jeopardy, but his life as well. According to reports, after collapsing during a game, the 17-year-old was taken to the hospital where a blood clot was found on his brain. The teen reportedly suffered a concussion three weeks prior to his collapse but felt fine before and after returning to the field the week before.
It was reported that the young man had been cleared to play again by his personal physician and passing ImPACT testing. According to reports, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) does not have a statewide policy regarding allowing students to go back to playing their sport of choice after a concussion. At the school the boy attended, the decision to clear a player after a brain trauma or other injury is left up to the students’ private doctors.
The parents of the player who was injured could choose to file a lawsuit for negligence against any of the parties who allowed him to resume playing, including his doctor, the district or the NJSIAA. A civil lawsuit of this type would likely seek financial compensation for the medical expenses that have already been incurred as a result of his injury, among other expenses and damages. A lawyer may be able to help them, and anyone in a similar situation, decide whether or not to take legal action.
