The Dangers of Head Injuries in Fall School Sports
The risks of head injuries in fall sports continues to be a serious concern for young athletes. Whether it’s a hard tackle on the football field or a collision during soccer, concussions and other traumatic brain injuries are more common than many realize. While injuries may be unavoidable, sometimes negligence plays a role, and in those cases, the responsible party should be held accountable.
Just last month, a former Orange County, CA student was awarded $31 million for a traumatic brain injury that occurred on a poorly maintained school field. The case involved 15-year-old Emanuel “Manny” Garcia, who suffered a life-altering brain bleed after a fall during football practice. Despite wearing a helmet, the injury had devastating cognitive consequences, transitioning Manny from a general education student to special education. His legal team successfully proved negligence after coaches repeatedly warned about the dangerous field conditions, yet the school failed to act.
Health professionals are raising alarms over a surge in head injuries this fall sports season. A report from KY3 in Missouri noted over 1,000 head injuries among high school football players and more than 250 incidents in cheerleading and girls’ soccer in 2022 alone. Signs of a head injury include confusion, headaches, and trouble with vision or balance.
In 2023, the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injuries recorded 16 football-related deaths, noted Cook Children’s Health Care System. This included players at all levels—college, high school, middle school, and youth leagues. Three of these fatalities were directly linked to traumatic brain injuries.
Parents can help safeguard their athletes by ensuring schools and leagues implement safety protocols. This includes mandatory safety training for coaches and comprehensive emergency action plans. Advocate for the presence of qualified professionals, such as a team physician or board-certified athletic trainer specializing in injury prevention and care. Stay informed and in communication with coaching staff, and always monitor for signs of injury—especially since athletes may hide symptoms to avoid being sidelined.
When negligence leads to serious injury, accountability is crucial. Tom Duffy once obtained $36,000,000 for a student who suffered a paralyzing injury on a field trip. If you or a loved one have been injured at a sports event or practice and you are unsure of your legal rights, contact a top Philadelphia athletic injury attorney.