La Salle Pays $7.5M Over Football Brain Injury
The Delaware County Times reported that La Salle university will pay $7.5 million to provide lifetime care to 23-year-old former football player who suffered a severe brain injury in a 2005 game, allegedly after an earlier concussion went untreated.
The football player’s family, of Marlboro, N.J., settled their lawsuit against La Salle University on November 30.
The settlement came as the NFL, the NCAA and other governing bodies review rules about when athletes should return to play following concussions. Research suggests that returning too soon can lead to brain damage.
La Salle did not admit wrongdoing with the settlement, which is covered by its insurance.
The young player was injured when he took a hit while covering a punt in a 2005 game at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. He was briefly knocked unconscious, then awoke and was combative for three to five minutes before lapsing into a coma.
The article reported that his brain was already contused from a prior concussion. The athlete had emergency surgery in Pittsburgh to relieve brain swelling.
The family claimed that the earlier injury made him more vulnerable to the second, catastrophic blow. La Salle contends the injury stemmed solely from the Duquesne hit.
According to the lawsuit, the young man endured helmet-to-helmet contact in an Oct. 4 practice, and took himself out of the next game in the fourth quarter, complaining of a headache.
The effects of brain injury vary widely. Minor concussions may not have any effect. However, more serious brain injuries can lead to cognitive difficulties, paralysis, personality changes, and lifelong medical conditions requiring hospitalization, rehabilitation, and constant care. Death is also a serious risk of brain injury — it is estimated that 50,000 brain injury victims die each year.
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a Pennsylvania brain injury accident to a loved one, you are probably feeling stressed, scared, and alone. You can sue the responsible parties for their part in the brain injury, collecting compensation for medical treatment, pain and suffering, even punitive damages designed to discourage others from acting negligently.
The attorneys at Cherry, Fieger, & Marciano understand the stress and anxiety that can accompany a brain injury. They offer qualified, competent legal representation with proven results. From investigation to discovery to expert witness testimony and in-court representation, the firm has what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve. Your time to file a Pennsylvania brain injury lawsuit may be limited by local law, so time is of the essence if you want to collect compensation for a brain injury. Call today for your free consultation. It's confidential and won't cost you a cent.
Source article: http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2009/11/30/news/doc4b13fdc008093576561413.txt
