Sports are exciting and challenging, but they also come with risks. One of the most serious risks is traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries can happen in any sport, from a soccer collision to a football tackle, and their effects can last a lifetime. When athletes suffer a TBI, legal questions about liability and responsibility often come up.

How Do TBIs Happen in Sports?

TBIs are usually caused by blows to the head. In sports, this could happen when a baseball player is hit by a pitch, a football player is tackled, or a soccer player heads the ball too many times. Even sports considered low-risk, like basketball, can lead to a TBI if players collide on the court. The effects of these injuries range from dizziness and headaches to more serious conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma.

The Role of Assumption of Risk

In sports, athletes and their families are often asked to sign waivers acknowledging the risks of playing. This is called “assumption of risk.” It means that participants accept the possibility of injury when they play. However, assumption of risk does not protect organizations, coaches, or equipment manufacturers from all liability. For example:

  • Coaches must follow safety protocols, like removing players who show signs of a concussion.
  • Organizations must provide proper safety equipment.
  • Intentional harm or reckless behavior cannot be excused under assumption of risk.

If these duties are ignored, the injured athlete may have grounds for a personal injury claim.

Challenges in Seeking Compensation

Obtaining compensation for sports-related TBIs can be complicated. Athletes or their families must prove that negligence caused the injury. This might involve showing that a coach ignored concussion symptoms or that a helmet was defective. These cases often require thorough investigations and detailed evidence, such as medical records and expert testimony.

Protecting Athletes’ Rights and Promoting Safety

Traumatic brain injuries in sports are serious and can have lifelong effects. While legal action can provide justice and compensation, it also highlights the need for better safety protocols and enforcement. If you or someone you know has suffered a sports-related brain injury, contact The Williams Litigation Group today to learn how we can help.