A community in New Jersey has suffered heartbreak after a high school football player died from a brain injury during a football game. The Victim, Xavier McClain, Became injured during a high school football game when he returned a kickoff. McClain took a brutal hit when he returned a kickoff at the start of the second half of the game.
After the injury occurred, an ambulance pulled up to the sidelines. The victim was in a coma for nearly two weeks and tragically died from his injuries. He was one of the few sophomores who could start on the high school team’s varsity football squad, and he had a bright future.
Football Players Have a High Risk of Brain Injuries
Football players are at a higher risk for injuries because of the extreme physical contact of the sport. Research has to have known for a while that repeated blows to the head through football or other high contacts can cause serious head injuries, even if they are not immediately apparent. Football players like the one discussed above suffer serious brain injuries that can lead to death every year. Even when football players experience concussions, they can still have long-term side effects lasting over a year.
What to Do After a High School Sports Injury
Suppose your child has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or any other type of long-term injury while playing football in high school. In that case, you may be eligible for compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. You have a limited time to file a claim to recover compensation for your child’s past and future medical expenses, durable medical equipment, Rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and more. Depending on the facts in your case, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against multiple parties, such as:
- The high school
- The coaches
- The manufacturers of the helmet or other protective gear your child was wearing at the time of the injury
Claims Against Helmet Manufacturers
When playing football, a helmet is crucial. Helmets are imperative for high school football players because they can prevent the severity of brain injuries. Not all football helmets are effective. The makers of football helmets are required to warn consumers about the risks associated with head injuries during football games. They also have to design helmets that protect the player’s skull in the best way.
Violent injuries occur frequently, and football because it is an aggressive sport, even at the high school level. If you suspect your child’s helmet contributed to their injury or death, it is worth discussing your case with an attorney. Product liability lawsuits against helmet manufacturers and retailers can be complicated and require the skill of an experienced attorney.
In addition to bringing a lawsuit against the manufacturer of your child’s Helmet or other protective football gear, you may be able to bring a claim against a doctor. For example, suppose your child’s doctor cleared your child to play football even though they had not fully recovered from a previous concussion or another injury. If your child suffered a traumatic blow that caused a head injury, you could hold the doctor liable for their negligence.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Football Injuries
Football is a violent sport that requires players to take hard hits from each other. Even when players are following the rules, violent injuries can occur. Unfortunately, some injuries are caused by illegal hits or players who are being excessively aggressive. If your child has been injured in that scenario, an attorney can help you evaluate whether you can hold the responsible party legally accountable. In other cases, coaches may be to blame for preventable injuries. Among the many types of injuries high school football players can supper, the following are the most serious:
- Back injuries
- Brain injuries
- Concussions
- Spine injuries
- Paralysis
- Neck injuries
- Bone crushing injuries
Discuss Your Case With an Alabama Football Injury Attorney
Injuries in football are inevitable, but when a preventable injury happens because of a person or school’s negligence, the victim has a right to hold the responsible parties liable. The traumatic brain injury attorneys at Heninger Garrison Davis Have experience representing high school football injury claims. We can help you pursue the total compensation you deserve for your child’s mounting medical bills, long-term care, disability, and other financial damages. Contact Heninger Garrison Davis to schedule your free case evaluation.
