About 150,000 high school athletes suffer a concussion each year across the country. In Albuquerque, approximately 15 students at each public high school reportedly sustain a traumatic brain injury while playing sports at school. Since 2010, New Mexico requires schools to offer education and safety programs designed to prevent young athletes from receiving a concussion while playing school-related sports. Still, student athletes in New Mexico suffer brain injuries every year.
A concussion is a type of brain injury that occurs when the brain hits the inside of a person’s skull. Despite that many concussions may seem mild, they can result in harmful and lifelong effects. Additionally, although many students are hurt while playing soccer or football, any sport may potentially cause a concussion. In fact, the third most common cause for such brain injuries in Albuquerque high schools is apparently cheerleading.
According to Rich Gerrells, Athletic Coordinator at Albuquerque Public Schools, the city’s school system is currently focused on how to adequately treat a concussion after a student is hurt. Gerrells stated trainers watch high school athletes closely and stay by their side following a potential head injury. Missy Archibeck, Head Athletic Trainer at Eldorado High School, said trainers must observe injured students carefully because it is not always easy diagnose a concussion. A number of health checklists and safety protocols are also reportedly followed before a student athlete may play again.
Regardless of a person’s age, any brain injury should always be taken seriously. In addition to high school sports such as cheerleading or football, an individual may sustain a traumatic brain injury in a bicycle, pedestrian, motorcycle, or motor vehicle accident. Even mild brain trauma can cause headaches, double vision, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and mood swings. A severe head injury may also result in poor coordination, slurred speech, seizures, a loss of smell and taste, and difficulty managing daily life. The victim of a devastating brain injury that was caused by someone else may be entitled to recover compensation for their pain and suffering, any resulting disability, lost earning capacity, medical bills, and a number of other damages. If you or someone you love suffered a concussion or other unexpected brain injury, you are advised to contact a quality personal injury lawyer to discuss your options for recovery.
If you or a close relative was the victim of a traumatic brain injury, please contact the Fine Law Firm. Our hardworking Albuquerque traumatic brain injury attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience assisting the victims of devastating injuries in New Mexico receive the financial compensation they deserve based on the severity of their injuries. To schedule a free, confidential case evaluation with a caring advocate, do not hesitate to give the knowledgeable lawyers at the Fine Law Firm a call at (505) 889-3463 or contact us through our website.
More Blog Posts:
61-Year-Old Killed in Doña Ana County Head-On Crash After Another Motorist Crosses Center Line, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, July 24, 2013
Motorcycle Accident on I-25 Near Cañoncito Tragically Kills 39-Year-Old Los Alamos Man, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, July 22, 2013
Additional Resources:
Preventing head injury, by Kate McGraw, Albuquerque Journal