Raizner Slania has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a former Murray State student-athlete against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) for failing to properly educate student-athletes on the long-term effects of repeated concussions and for failing to provide appropriate medical protocols and treatment.
The plaintiff played football for Murray State from 2000 to 2005 as a fullback, tight end, and long snapper. During his college football career, he suffered repeated head trauma. Specifically, he recalls being hit so hard he lost consciousness three or four times during games and practices.
After each concussive or sub-concussive hit, the plaintiff was quickly returned to the field of play without receiving the medical attention that the NCAA and the OVC knew was necessary to monitor, manage, and mitigate risks associated with repeated concussions.
Although the plaintiff sustained repetitive concussive and sub-concussive hits in practices and games for their profit and promotion, the NCAA, and the OVC failed to adopt or implement adequate concussion management safety protocols or return to play guidelines during the plaintiff’s time on Murray State’s football team.
As a result of his time playing for Murray State, the plaintiff now suffers from memory loss, blackouts, severe depression, anxiety, and other debilitating medical issues.
The NCAA, its conferences, and its universities have a responsibility to safeguard the health and wellbeing of students-athletes and to educate all student-athletes on the risks associated with gameplay. Unfortunately, despite the financial success of the NCAA and its conferences, very little care is taken to ensure students playing football and other sports are properly cared for.
NCAA Concussion Attorneys
If you or someone you love sustained a concussion while playing football for an NCAA regulated team, the experienced NCAA concussion attorneys at Raizner Slania can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights. Our firm represents many former athletes from a number of major athletic programs. Call us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t owe us anything unless we help you recover compensation.