As this year’s NFL draft comes, few people may want to discuss the topic of concussions. After all, draft night is a celebration of sorts for those entering the NFL fraternity, and a way to sell hope for the upcoming season. But as more research about concussions comes out, researchers have learned girls may be just as susceptible to the effects of traumatic brain injuries while playing amateur sports.
An article in Time.com highlighted a study finding that girls may have behavioral problems after suffering a concussion. Essentially, researchers followed more than 9,000 Canadian teenagers from 7th grade through high school who suffered concussions and other head injuries. Girls who suffered these injuries were more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as underage drinking and smoking cigarettes. Even worse, they were more likely to experience psychological distress and be bullied.
Indeed, some may find it difficult to tell whether these were the normal traumas of adolescence, or whether a traumatic brain injury caused them.
Because of these possibilities, safety plans are important for girls playing sports; even those deemed to be “non-contact.” Diagnostic procedures to discover concussions, and immediate protocols to treat head injuries are essential. Failing to do these things could be considered a breach of the duty of care assigned to high schools, which could lead to liability.
If you have questions about concussions, head injuries and the possible legal ramifications that could follow; including the right to recover money damages, an experienced personal injury attorney can help.
