Tinnitus and TBIs Among Football Players in North County

Concussions and other forms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among Vista and other North County San Diego athletes have received significant attention over the last decade, particularly as researchers have identified a link between multiple concussions — especially among football players — and the degenerative brain disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). According to a recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Sports Medicine Open, it is also important to pay attention to collateral harms that often result from concussions among athletes, such as debilitating tinnitus and worsening mental health conditions.

What should you know about physical and mental health harms linked to multiple concussions? And who may be liable for these harms? Consider the following information from our San Clemente personal injury lawyers.

New Study Addresses Concussions, Tinnitus, and Mental Health

Serious diseases like CTE, which likely arise out of a person sustaining multiple concussions, can ultimately result in death. Yet it is not just CTE that can result from an athlete sustaining multiple concussions. According to the recent study, which was conducted by researchers at Harvard University, “tinnitus — a condition characterized by phantom ringing in the ears — is common among former National Football League (NFL) players, especially those with a history of concussion symptoms, and is often accompanied by worse mental health.”

The researchers pointed out how tinnitus and worsening mental health are linked to “diminished quality of life,” as well as “depression and anxiety.” The new study also argued that Black football players are less likely than other NFL players to report their symptoms and thus “may be underdiagnosed and/or underseen for the condition.”

Liability for Concussions that May Lead to Tinnitus, Depression, and Anxiety

Who is liable when an athlete sustains multiple concussions and may not be properly treated?

According to UCLA Health, athletes in schools are supposed to be protected by AB2127, which established a concussion protocol for youth athletes in California. When the protocol is not properly adhered to by coaches or other members of a coaching staff or sports organization, those individuals or organizations may be liable for head injuries sustained by athletes. At the professional level, while the state’s concussion protocol no longer applies, athletes may be able to file claims against members of the coaching staff, the medical staff, or even the organization itself.

Contact Our North County San Diego Personal Injury Attorneys to Discuss Your Options for Filing a Brain Injury Claim in Vista

Traumatic brain injuries are startlingly common among athletes, especially those in contact sports like football and hockey. TBIs can also occur in soccer, particularly when athletes head the ball, and in other sports such as baseball, softball, and basketball. If you recently sustained a TBI or have other symptoms connected to multiple TBIs, or if your child athlete is in this situation, it may be possible to hold another party accountable.

As we discussed above, there are specific protocols in place for dealing with concussions in contact sports. When coaches, trainers, and others in management positions do not follow the law concerning concussions and return-to-play, they may be liable for harm resulting from the concussion, including additional harms arising from the initial injury, such as tinnitus. An experienced Vista personal injury lawyer can help. Contact North County Injury Lawyers to find out more about how we can assist you.

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