Since 2010, Connecticut residents have become more aware of the long-term effects of head trauma. Until just a few years ago, not many people would bother to make sure young athletes were examined after suffering blows to the head. Today, teachers and residents alike are aware of the negative effects of concussions and even minor head trauma that can lead to a brain injury.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now have shown that people who have repeated concussions are prone to permanent brain damage or swelling that could mean long-term trouble. Fatal cases, although rare, can and do happen. For this reason, concussions should never be treated as routine.

With respect to high school sports, a study conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy showed that high school football had the most incidents of concussion with nearly 132,000 reported cases. Girls’ soccer followed with more than 53,000. Boys’ soccer was a distant third with slightly more than 39,000 incidents.

Connecticut’s concussion law requires that school coaches complete concussion training courses and take annual refreshers of new material before any sport season starts. Moreover, athletes are also required to show medical release forms before they return to training in their sports.

New Haven residents should realize, however, that brain injury is not limited to contact sports. Recreational activities and motor vehicle and other accidents can also cause brain injuries. Any resident who sustains such an injury as a result of another person’s negligence may be able to seek and receive compensation if they file a personal injury lawsuit.

However, anyone who sustains a head injury or acts on behalf of someone who has should carefully determine the amount of money that will be needed to care for the injury, especially if the injury is severe and the person requires long-term care. Experienced legal guidance can be of great benefit in these situations.

Source: Ctpost.com, “Encouraging signs against concussions,” Oct. 10, 2013