The movie Concussion is based on the true story of a doctor in a coroner's office who determined that former professional football player, ”Iron” Mike Webster, suffered and died from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Webster played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. CTE is a traumatic brain injury caused by repeated blows to the head. The story of the forensic pathologist in Concussion and his findings drew national attention to the incidence and consequence of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
The movie follows several recent tragic stories of other football players who also had brain damage. Two other former pro football players died due to consequences related to brain trauma. Fierce safety Dave Duerson of the Chicago Bears died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest in 2011 at the age of 50. The passionate linebacker Junior Seau of the San Diego Chargers died the same way in 2012 at the age of 43.
Blunt Force Injuries and Sports
A few years back, a Chicago high school senior hit his head during the final play of a football game. He was able to walk off the field. Shortly afterward, however, he complained of a headache, lost consciousness and died due to the severe head injury he suffered during the play. The coroner determined the student died of “blunt force head injuries.” He was only 17 years old. His was the seventh death of a high school football player in the nation in 2015 due to a TBI.
Viewers of Super Bowl 50 saw a nice rendition of the Star Spangled Banner sung by Lady Gaga. And many folks not that interested in football watched the game in order to see the new and often provocative commercials or the halftime show. What was not enjoyable, however, was the news that two major players, one on each team, were forced to leave the game when they each suffered a concussion during gameplay.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A TBI, or “intracranial injury” is defined as an injury to the brain that is caused by an external force. The force can be either direct or indirect. A direct force would be when a person strikes their head against the steering wheel in a vehicle collision. An indirect force could be the acceleration and deceleration that commonly occur with a whiplash-type motion of the head in a severe rear-end collision.
Brain injuries are categorized as major, moderate and minor. Some brain injuries are minor with no lasting effects. Other head trauma causes a person to lose consciousness and suffer life-altering consequences. The normal function of the brain is forever changed when a permanent brain injury occurs. The ordinary processes of thinking, listening, talking and planning can all be altered by a traumatic brain injury.
A concussion may be an example of a mild TBI (“MBTI”). It causes temporary loss of cognitive functioning along with a headache. The symptoms are usually temporary and there is typically a full recovery. Often, however, TBIs are life-changing. According to the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), 2.5 million people suffer from TBIs every year and 50,000 of those who are injured die. Another 280,000 are hospitalized.
Leading Causes of TBIs
All sorts of accidents can result in TBIs:
- Falls account for more than 40 percent of all TBIs. People fall at restaurants, stores, and shopping centers. Construction workers fall off of ladders and scaffoldings. Falls are the leading cause of TBI deaths in people over the age of 60.
- Blunt force trauma to the head. This accounts for 15 percent of all TBIs. It may be unintentional blunt force trauma due to being hit in the head with an object such as one falling off of high shelves at a big box store like Home Depot, Costco, Walmart and others.
- Motor vehicle accidents. Vehicle collisions account for 14 percent of TBIs.
- Assaults, are responsible for 10 percent of all TBIs and are the leading cause for TBIs in children under the age of 4.
Symptoms of a TBI
Unfortunately, it is not unusual for someone who has suffered a TBI to be unaware of the seriousness of their condition. As in the case of the 17-year-old football player who walked off the field only to die later, the serious and life-threatening symptoms of a brain injury may not appear immediately. Anyone who has suffered head trauma should receive immediate medical treatment and be watched closely. Experts note the following symptoms could be signs of a serious head injury:
Prompt treatment may differentiate between recovery or long-term or more serious consequences. Early treatment may also differentiate between a quick, full recovery or the need for long-term medical care or rehabilitation. Even among those who receive prompt treatment, more than five million people live with a permanent disability resulting from their TBI.
A Landmark Verdict in Traumatic Brain Injury Case
In a groundbreaking legal decision, a jury in Erie County, Ohio, awarded a staggering $6.19 million to a 78-year-old man, Mr. Johnson, who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a fall at Firelands Regional Medical Center in Sandusky. This case, marking the second-largest medical malpractice verdict in Erie County, underscores the critical importance of hospital adherence to patient safety policies. Mr. Johnson, who was on multiple medications, increasing his fall risk, was not provided the necessary precautions by the hospital staff, leading to his fall and subsequent TBI. This injury has had life-altering consequences, confining him to his home and compelling his wife to quit her job for his care. The jury's decision, which included compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life, sends a powerful message about the value of patient safety and the responsibility of medical institutions to adhere to their policies. This case highlights the severity of TBIs and the role of legal systems in ensuring justice and accountability in medical malpractice scenarios.
How a Chicago TBI Lawyer Can Help
Not every TBI is caused by another’s carelessness or negligence. But, if the injury was the fault of an individual or company, those who are injured can seek compensation under the law for their injuries. Proving fault in a court of law is not a simple task and establishing legal “damages” requires skill and experience. If you have a significant head injury, you likely need help fighting with the insurance company which may delay or deny your claim. Our Chicago TBI Lawyers would like to be of service to you.
If you believe your TBI was caused by the negligence of another, call or text us at (312)766-1000, email [email protected], or fill out the contact form below for a free consultation.