A public school district has agreed to pay a $4.4 million settlement to a former high school football player who suffered a catastrophic brain injury after athletic trainers allowed him to continue playing despite clear signs of a concussion. The young man, once a senior linebacker full of promise, is now permanently disabled, confined to a wheelchair, and only able to communicate through a keyboard. This case underscores the critical legal responsibility athletic trainers have to protect student-athletes from life-threatening harm.
This settlement, reported by MSNBC, highlights the ongoing issue of negligence in sports injury management.
Key Takeaways
- Legal Responsibility of Athletic Trainers: Trainers must act in the best interests of athletes, particularly when assessing injuries like concussions.
- Negligence: Athletic trainers can be held liable for resulting injuries if they fail to uphold their duty of care.
- Damages: Victims and families may be entitled to compensatory or punitive damages for negligence.
What Happened Leading to the Injury?
The athlete, a senior linebacker, suffered a concussion in a previous game and reported symptoms such as headaches in the days leading up to the next game. Despite these warning signs, the coaches and athletic trainers allowed him to play, even after he asked to sit out the first quarter due to pain.
A week before the game, the athlete had missed parts of practice because of his condition. However, the decision was made to allow him to participate, which ultimately led to his collapse on the sidelines during halftime.
Emergency surgery was performed to relieve pressure from internal bleeding in his brain, but the damage was irreversible, leaving him permanently disabled.
What Are the Legal Responsibilities of Athletic Trainers?
Under Illinois law, athletic trainers have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of athletes and to provide proper care when an injury occurs. When athletic trainers fail to act with reasonable care and an injury results, they can be held legally responsible in a personal injury lawsuitÂ
In this case, the trainers’ failure to assess the athlete’s condition and remove him from the game directly led to his permanent injury. Their neglect breached the duty of care owed to the athlete, making them liable.
What Is Negligence and How Does It Apply to This Case?
Negligence occurs when someone fails to take reasonable precautions to prevent harm to others. In this instance, the trainers failed to act on clear warning signs of a concussion, leading to the athlete’s life-changing injury. In Illinois, when negligence is proven, the responsible party may be required to pay compensatory damages to restore the injured person to their pre-injury condition.
What Impact Did the Concussion Have on the Athlete’s Life?
Today, the former athlete is permanently disabled, unable to walk or speak, and must communicate solely through a keyboard. His life has been irrevocably altered due to the failure of the athletic trainers to act on the signs of his concussion.
This case also adds to the growing issue of brain injuries in sports, with similar lawsuits being filed by former NFL players who continue to suffer long-term effects of repeated concussions.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Hurt Due to an Athletic Trainer’s Negligence?
If you or a loved one has been injured because someone else failed to act with reasonable care, you may be entitled to compensation. A Chicago personal injury attorney can help you evaluate your case and fight for your rights. Levin & Perconti operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs for you. We only get paid if you win your case. To speak with an experienced lawyer, contact Levin & Perconti today at (312) 332-2872 for a free consultation.
