With more and more research surfacing showing the devastating results sports-related brain injuries can have, teams, coaches, and sports officials are beginning to take a closer look at how they can better protect individuals on the field of play. Unfortunately, it came too late for one athlete who died as a result of complications with a head injury he sustained during high school football practice.
A WRAL News report says a medical examiners report shows a Rolesville High School football player collapsed and died while warming up for a game on September 26. The report went on to explain the linebacker had taken a hit in practice two days prior and had been out of commission after complaining of headaches and had damage to his brain and arteries in his neck, which was likely caused by the blow to the head he sustained in practice.
At HensonFuerst, we understand how difficult it can be to cope with the loss of a loved one due to an accident. That’s why our North Carolina personal injury lawyers would like to send our condolences to the friends and family of the young victim; however, we would also like to remind athletes of what they can do to stay safe on the field, including:
- Wear Safety Equipment– Always wear the protective gear that is recommended for your sport.
- Learn Proper Technique– There is often a right and wrong way to make contact in sports, so learn the methods—such as “heads up” tackling for football players.
- Getting Help– If you suspect you’ve suffered a head injury, there’s no shame in leaving the field to seek medical attention. It may also be wise to discuss your legal rights with an attorney if you’ve suffered a sports-related brain injury.