This week we wrote about athletic injuries possibly leading to depression and suicide. In response to tragic suicides and brain injury lawsuits from NFL players, Wisconsin lawmakers are taking measures to protect young athletes from heading down a similar road.
INCREASE AWARENESS OF CONCUSSION DANGERS
The new law, known as Wisconsin Act 172, says that the Department of Public Instruction must develop guidelines for safer athletics and instruct coaches, students and parents about sports injuries and how to prevent them. Specifically, coaches must distribute information about concussion risks, and a parent or guardian must sign a document saying that he or she is aware of these risks.
REMOVE INJURED PLAYERS
The law also states that coaches must remove a player from the field if he or she exhibits signs of a concussion or serious injury. The player cannot participate in any other team activity until cleared by a health professional. This reduces the risk of serious damage. All traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, leave the brain in a fragile state. Any further injury can cause catastrophic damage.
Along with Wisconsin, 31 other states have enacted similar measures. The Centers for Disease Control says that between 1.5 and 3 million Americans suffer from concussions every year. We applaud any effort to keep children safe from serious brain injuries.
Did your child sustain injuries in an athletics program? If so, talk to us. Call our Nashville office at (615) 866-3938 or submit a contact form. Take advantage of our free consultations to discuss your options.
“Hear, my son, your father’s instructions, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.” Proverbs 1:8-9