Tag: AAC

Concussion Lawsuit Injury Attorneys

Former University of Pittsburgh Athlete Files Concussion Lawsuit

Posted by Jeff Raizner on

Raizner Slania filed a lawsuit on behalf of a former University of Pittsburgh football player against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the American Athletic Conference (AAC) for their reckless disregard for the health and well-being of student athletes.

The plaintiff played college football for Pittsburgh as a fullback from 2005 to 2009. He remembers suffering a number of concussions during both practice and games while playing on behalf of the university. The plaintiff frequently sustained concussive and sub-concussive impacts to the head, some which caused him to black out during play.

Since the inception of Pittsburgh’s football program, through at least 2010, there were no adequate concussion management protocols or policies in place to address and treat concussions sustained by student-athletes during practice and in games. Although the plaintiff sustained repetitive hits to the head during practices and games played for their profit and promotion, the NCAA and the AAC failed to adopt or implement adequate concussion management safety protocols or return to play guidelines during his time on Pittsburgh’s football team.

As a result, the plaintiff now suffers from depression, light sensitivity, memory loss, and other debilitating issues.

Unfortunately for student-athletes, the effects of repeated concussions are not always immediately apparent. Symptoms can take years or even decades to manifest, but brain damage sustained during their years playing college football will be permanent. When a person suffers a concussion, the brain is often stretched, torn, and/or bruised. This kills brain cells called neuronal cells, which in turn releases a protein that can further damage the brain. There is no way to stop or reverse the damage caused by repeated concussions.

Although evidence linking repeated head impacts to long-term side effects has existed for decades, the NCAA failed to properly educate student athletes of the effects they could suffer later in life as a result of their time playing football in college.

Raizner Slania: Concussion Lawsuit Injury Attorneys

If you received a concussion while playing college football for an NCAA regulated team, the experienced trial attorneys at Raizner Slania can help. We can analyze your situation and help you understand your legal options. Call us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

Concussion Lawsuits

Former Rutger’s University Football Player Files Concussion Lawsuit

Posted by Jeff Raizner on

Raizner Slania filed a lawsuit on behalf of a former Rutgers University football player against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the American Athletic Conference (AAC) for failing to educate student-athletes on the long-term effects of repeated concussions sustained during play and for failing to provide appropriate medical treatment for concussions.

The plaintiff played for The State University of New Jersey, also known as Rutgers University, as a nose guard and defensive tackle from 2003 to 2005. During his time playing for the university, the plaintiff recalls suffering from many concussive and sub-concussive hits during both practices and games. The plaintiff specifically remembers being hit so hard during games that he saw “stars” or just went “black.”

During his time playing football, the NCAA and the AAC failed to adopt or implement adequate concussion management safety protocols or return to play guidelines. After each concussive hit, the plaintiff was quickly returned to the game without receiving the necessary medical treatment required to help mitigate the damage from repeated head impacts.

As a result of his time playing for Rutgers, the plaintiff suffers from severe headaches, sleeping problems, memory loss, light sensitivity, and other debilitating issues.

The NCAA was established to improve “the experiences of student-athletes – on the field, in the classroom, and in life.” The organization currently governs over 400,000 student athletes from universities across the country. However, despite the NCAA’s commitment to the health and well-being of its student-athletes, the NCAA and the AAC put profits before players in the management of concussions.

The NCAA and AAC make millions of dollars each year off of football programs. Despite the financial success of the college football program, very little care was taken to protect the long-term health of the athletes responsible.

Raizner Slania: NCAA Concussion Lawsuits

If you or someone you love sustained a concussion while playing football for an NCAA regulated team or conference, the experienced trial attorneys at Raizner Slania can explain your legal options and protect your rights. Our consultations are free and we work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t owe us anything unless we help you recover compensation. Call us today.

concussion lawsuits

Former Florida State Football Player Files Concussion Lawsuit

Posted by Jeff Raizner on

Raizner Slania filed a lawsuit on behalf of a former Florida State University football player against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for recklessly endangering his health during his time playing for Florida State.

The NCAA governs more than 400,000 student-athletes with the goal of safeguarding their wellbeing both on and off the field. The ACC was established in 1953 to “maximize the educational and athletic opportunities that shape our leaders of tomorrow – in the classroom, in competition, and in life.” Despite the NCAA and ACC’s lofty proclamations, they repeatedly put profits before the wellbeing of student-athletes they are supposed to protect.

The plaintiff played for Florida State as a linebacker and on special teams from 2004 to 2008. During his time playing for Florida State, the plaintiff suffered several concussions both in games and in practices. The plaintiff specifically recalls receiving concussive hits during hitting drills and practice scrimmages where he was hit so hard he was often “seeing stars,” blacking out, or losing his balance.

After each concussive hit, the plaintiff was denied the appropriate medical treatment that would help monitor, manage, and mitigate the long-term side effects of concussions. Instead, the plaintiff was told to “shake it off” and was immediately returned to play.

As a result of repeated head trauma sustained during play, the plaintiff now suffers from short-term memory loss, feels a constant pressure in his ears and head, and suffers from headaches, among other debilitating issues.

The NCAA, its conferences, and universities have a responsibility to provide proper care after a student suffers a concussion during athletic play. During his time at Florida State, the football program failed to implement adequate concussion protocols or policies of any kind or any return to play guidelines. The NCAA also failed to properly educate student-athletes on the long-term effects of repeated head trauma.

Raizner Slania: NCAA Concussion Lawsuits

If you or a loved one experienced brain trauma as a result of a head injury sustained while playing college football for an NCAA regulated team, you may be entitled to compensation. The NCAA concussion attorneys at Raizner Slania can analyze your unique circumstances and help you understand your legal options. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.