It’s not just the NFL, and it’s not just football. Concussions can happen in any sport at all different levels, including amateur and NCAA. If you or someone you know is suffering from a brain injury, call us today to see how we can help you. 
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Brain Injury Awareness Month: You are not alone
Every year, 2.5 million Americans survive a traumatic brain injury and attempt to continue their lives. Beyond new incidents, 5.3 million Americans live with a brain injury. Brain Injury Awareness month seeks to educate the public about TBI prevention and the needs of those affected and their families.
The Brain Injury Association of America developed a campaign called “Not Alone,” focused on showing the effects to the public as well as to empower survivors and promote the support available.
TBIs can leave the injured person feeling lost. Even if it’s been days, weeks or months, side effects may linger and effect performance in different areas. Many people will hit their head in a car accident, on the playing field or after a fall and feel out of it, even after returning to normal activities. Headaches, difficulty remembering and concentrating and noise sensitivity are common continued symptoms.
These last issues can cause people to isolate themselves and possibly not seek the help needed. By letting the TBI community know they are not alone in their struggle, the stigma will be removed and more will speak up about their suffering.
From mild concussions to life-threatening injuries, a TBI disrupts the day-to-day functions of the brain and can be a burden. Some recover quickly while others endure the symptoms for months. With every TBI sustained, the brain takes longer to recover.
TBI symptoms typically fall into four categories: sleep, physical, emotion/mood and thinking/remembering. Each experience is varied, but many sleep longer or shorter than usual and have trouble falling asleep. People may feel exhausted, have a headache or vomit early after the impact. Emotions will run high, leaning toward nervousness, irritability or sadness.
Unless a person is aware of these symptoms, a slight bump to the head may leave them with months of problems with no solutions. Not every TBI is obvious, making it important to understand the aftermath.
The NFL concussion litigation represents these long-term issues that develop if repeated TBIs occur. Every season, football players undergo many jarring blows to the head, contributing to problems that emerge years after retiring. Many experience mood swings, memory loss and depression. Several players took their lives after living with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated concussive or sub-concussive blows.
This March, learn to recognize the symptoms and ways to prevent a TBI. If you’re suffering from the long-term issues, remember you are not alone. Find help today.
[This post originally appeared on gpwlaw.com]
Sources
Thank you Twitter
Thank you to everyone who shared The New York Times article and helped spread the word about the dangerous effects of football concussions. Here are some of my favorites:
Judge gives preliminary approval to NFL concussion settlement
Less than two weeks after the NFL announced a new settlement for the concussion lawsuit, Federal Judge Anita Brody gave her preliminary approval to the deal. A fairness hearing is scheduled for Nov. 19 and after she will give her final decision some time after it occurs.
After the initial deal of $765 million was rejected, months of negotiations ensued to determine the amount to meet the needs of all current and future retired players for 65 years. Judge Brody believed the initial amount was too small and agrees the uncapped fund has potential.
For the estimated 20,000 retired NFL players, the new settlement covers check ups throughout the years. Additionally, players do not have to prove they sustained their head injuries during their time in the league. Awards are available to victims of ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The dispersed amounts vary based on age at diagnosis.
During the next four months until the fairness hearing, all eligible players will be notified of the deal and specific benefits for them. This includes all former players, not just the 4,500 included in the class action lawsuit. They have the choice to agree to the terms and forgo any right to future legal action or continue pursuing their own lawsuits.
While many view this development as a success, seven players, including former Steeler Alan Faneca, interpret the plan as benefiting the NFL and Class Counsel, not the players. In their opinion, the settlement is unfair and potentially fatal to players due to the lack of coverage.
[This post originally appeared on Jason’s firm’s website, gpwlaw.com]
Footnotes
Milhoces, G. (2014). NFL concussion settlement gets preliminary approval. USA Today. [Link]