Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) has been making headlines for the past year or so, as it was detected that this tragic degenerative brain disease has been affecting professional athletes. CTE has recently begun to be studied in-depth by many doctors and scientific researchers throughout the country. CTE is a progressive degenerative disease that generally affects individuals who have incurred a significant amount of trauma to their head. Although CTE has just recently been garnering national recognition as a serious disease, it has actually been detected in professional boxers as early as the 1920s. However, recent studies focusing on the brains of deceased football players revealed that these players’ brain structures were severely damaged and included a build-up of abnormal proteins.
Unfortunately, individuals experiencing this trauma often suffer significant and life-changing experiences. Some common symptoms that people report are depression, anxiety, aggression, memory and cognition problems, lack of impulse control, and impaired judgment. There have been tragic instances where athletes have committed suicide and it was later discovered that they were suffering with CTE.
The New York Times recently published an article focusing on a college football player who was discovered to be suffering from CTE. The football player was an offensive lineman for the University of North Carolina and was by all accounts a well-adjusted individual. However, after sustaining repeated injuries he ended up homeless, addicted to drugs and alcohol. His family noted that he often complained that he felt that he was different and that “something was wrong with his brain.” The young college athlete ended up riding his bike straight into oncoming traffic and was killed after being hit by a car. His mother argued that she is sure that his actions qualify as suicide.
After his death, researchers discovered that his brain showed evidence of CTE. It is believed that the CTE was a result of his repeated head traumas while playing football in his youth. Initially, researchers believed CTE was mainly found in professional athletes, but this is just one more example of where that belief is not necessarily the case.
There have been a number of class action suits brought by ex-players against the NFL for the league’s alleged negligence in failing to recognize and treat those that are suffering with CTE. Some of these lawsuits have been settled and resulted in substantial payments to the loved ones of those who have passed. However, other lawsuits of this nature are still being heard and are under appeal.
Have You or a Loved One Suffered Brain Injuries as a Result of Participation in a Sports League?
If you or a loved one has suffered the symptoms of CTE after participation in any sports league, you may be entitled to monetary compensation based on the league’s failure to warn you about the risks involved with participation and prevent serious head injuries. To learn more about this complex and emerging area of the law call 410-654-3600 today to speak with a dedicated personal injury advocate about your injuries. Calling is risk-free because we won’t bill you for any of our services unless we are ultimately able to help you recover for your injuries.
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