New Missouri Law Aims to Protect Victims of Traumatic Brain Injury
Concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that results from a blow to the head, often occur in certain types of sports, especially those played by middle- and high-school students. Missouri’s Youth Sports Brain Injury Prevention Act is the most recent state law passed to help prevent concussions and the long-term damage they can cause, according to a recent article in The Marshfield Mail.
The Act was passed by the Missouri legislature in 2010 and signed by the governor in July 2011. The law requires Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services to work with parents, coaches, and players of youth sports so that everyone understands the symptoms of concussion, the risks involved, and the need for players to leave the game if there is any indication that a bump or blow to the head may have caused brain damage. School districts are also required to provide information about concussions to student athletes and their parents, and to get the parents’ signatures indicating they have received the information before the student is allowed to play.
Finally, the new law requires students who show symptoms of a concussion to sit out of play or practice for at least 24 hours. In addition, the student must be evaluated by a competent health care professional before they may go back into the game.
Nearly 20 percent of injuries suffered in high school sports matches are concussions. If ignored, a concussion can cause irreversible brain damage, which can affect a student’s ability to learn or to communicate for life. If you or someone you love has suffered a concussion in an accident, the experienced Missouri brain injury attorneys at Page Law can help you understand your legal rights and options. For a free consultation, call us today at 314-322-8515.
