South Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
By this time, most people have heard at least something about the tragic degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy, otherwise known as CTE. This brain injury has been making headlines across the United States as it was recently discovered that many professional athletes have been suffering with this deadly disease.In the past, CTE was most frequently associated with professional boxers. In fact, it was often called “punch-drunk” syndrome. It is a type of brain damage which is caused by repeated trauma to the head. It is considered a degenerative disease because it persists and worsens over time, and eventually leads the brain to be susceptible to atrophy.
Sadly, the symptoms of CTE are particularly devastating. The most reported symptoms include impulse control issues, memory and cognition impairments, confusion, early-onset dementia, and other mental health problems. As the disease progresses it can lead to behavioral issues including: aggression, severe depression, and even suicidal tendencies. Until very recently, the disease could only be diagnosed after the individual has passed away. There has been some research that revealed signs of CTE just prior to a football player’s death; however, it is still generally considered to be a condition that can only be diagnosed after death.
Although, the brains of deceased professional football players have been studied, recent studies have been focusing on those who participated in other sports, as well as younger athletes. This is especially frightening, as many high school and college students play high contact sports for years on end.
One reason the disease has been garnering so much media attention is because of a class action lawsuit brought by the families of deceased NFL players against the NFL. The families allege that the NFL failed to properly recognize and treat their loved ones, and as a result their loved ones suffered tremendously during their last years.
The NFL Acknowledges the Correlation between CTE and Professional Football
One news source recently published an article summarizing a congressional hearing on the class action lawsuit between the families of deceased football players and the NFL. The congressional hearing included testimony from the NFL’s vice-president for health and safety and various congressmen. The vice-president acknowledged the research that Boston University has been conducting related to CTE and repetitive traumatic brain injuries, specifically NFL players.
In the past, the NFL has been reluctant to comment on any link between football and CTE. However, at this congressional roundtable discussion, when asked, the NFL’s spokesperson agreed that there was a link between CTE and football. The spokesperson was frank in stating that the research obviously indicates that there is a connection. He continued to explain that he still believes that much more research needs to be done to determine how to prevent and treat these players.
Have You Suffered Injuries Due to Participation in a Sports League?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or been killed in Florida because of the negligence of another, it is recommended that you contact one of the dedicated and experienced attorneys at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A. This includes if your loved one died from complications related to participation in a sports league. The attorneys at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A. have several years of handling personal injury and wrongful death cases. They can assist you at all stages of your case and help you understand your rights and remedies. If you are successful, you may be entitled to monetary damages for the injuries you suffered. Contact our office at 305-448-8585 to schedule your free initial consultation.
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