Raizner Slania filed a lawsuit on behalf of a former Eastern Michigan University football player against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Mid-American Conference (MAC) for failing to provide the appropriate medical treatment to monitor, mitigate, and manage the long-term effects of concussions.
The plaintiff played for Eastern Michigan as an offensive tackle from 1985 to 1989. He specifically remembers suffering from at least five concussions during his time playing football for the university, including twice when he endured multiple head to head hits that made him “see stars” and streaks of light. After each concussive and sub-concussive hit, the plaintiff was quickly returned to play.
As a direct result of his time playing college football for the university, the plaintiff now suffers from depression, fatigue, impulse control problems, irritability, memory loss, sleeping disorders, and other debilitating medical problems.
Although the plaintiff repeatedly sustained concussive and sub-concussive hits in practices and games for their profit and promotion, the NCAA and the MAC failed to adopt or implement adequate concussion management safety protocols or return to play guidelines for student-athletes. The NCAA and the MAC had a duty to provide appropriate and up-to-date guidance and regulations to minimize the risk of injury to football players, but failed to do so despite the growing evidence of the severe long-term effects of brain injuries.
When the head receives repeated impacts, the brain can suffer deformation, twisting, shearing, and stretching of neuronal cells. This can cause damage to the brain and cause the release of small amounts of chemicals within the brain that can cause additional neurological side effects.
NCAA Concussion Injury Lawyers
Many long-term effects of concussions are degenerative, and former players may not begin to experience symptoms for many years after their last game. If you or someone you love sustained a concussion while playing football for an NCAA regulated team, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Call the NCAA concussion injury lawyers at Raizner Slania today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. Our attorneys can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation on your behalf. Contact us today.