Concussions and Medical Malpractice

Sports Changed Everything

Many people don’t realize there’s a connection between concussions and medical malpractice, but recent sports news says there may be.

The past few years have highlighted the danger of concussions for football players and other athletes. As a result, in 2013, Tennessee passed a law that determined how school and recreational sports programs must handle concussions.

But this law doesn’t govern universities and colleges. Many universities have implemented concussion policies that guide team doctors and coaches, but lawsuits have still arisen against some universities over past concussions. The lawsuits allege their concussions cause serious mental issues for former players.

Bernard Hicks is a former University of California football player. He claims the team’s doctor’s failed to make him aware of the serious risks of concussions when he played from 2004 to 2008. As a result, Hicks now suffers neurological damage. The side effects include “depression, suicidal thoughts, dizziness, memory loss, and blurred and double vision.”

With his personal injury attorney, Hicks has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the school.

How Do You Prove Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice typically refers to when a doctor makes a mistake or fails to do something that ultimately injures the patient. If the doctor’s action or failure to act falls below the reasonable standard of care, then the patient may pursue damages through a medical malpractice case.

How Concussions and Medical Malpractice Go Together

Normally we think of medical malpractice cases as surgeries gone wrong. But they can also be based on claims of medical negligence. For instance, any reasonable standard of care requires that the doctor make the patient aware of the risks associated with a procedure.

Bernard Hicks and other football players argue that when they played, the team doctors and coaches didn’t educate their players. The players say they never explained the long-term dangers of concussions. And they claim the doctors didn’t recommend the recovery time they needed.

Why Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Medical Malpractice Case?

To have a successful medical malpractice case, you will need an experienced personal injury attorney who will work with medical experts to prove your side of the case. The attorney only receives a fee if you win your case.

In my Memphis medical malpractice firm, we work with Tennessee’s very short statute of limitations. We advise everyone who suspects medical malpractice to contact a personal injury attorney right away.

Medical malpractice claims can cover your medical expenses, compensate for lost salary, and pay for your pain. And it can also save others from suffering medical negligence.

Numerous former football players like Hicks have spoken up about the long-term brain trauma and mental illnesses concussions cause. Their speaking up has helped them gain settlements for their injuries, and they’ve influenced youth sports legislation and university sports policies. They’ve helped to spread public awareness of the severity of concussions.

Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Memphis Trusts

If you have questions about concussions and medical malpractice, we can help.

Our medical malpractice lawyers handle even the most complicated cases, and we can help you determine your options. We fight hard for our clients and give you the time and care you deserve.

Please let us know today if you believe you have a medical malpractice case. We’ll discuss it with you for free and help you get started.