NFL Takes Steps to Protect Players Suffering from Possible Concussions

With the NFL lockout keeping most fans in the dark about the future of the league-- there is at least some good news from the league on how it will deal with a growing problem-- NFL player concussions.  The league says its "sideline concussion assessment protocol" copies much of the 2008 protocol issued by the international Concussion in Sports Group in Zurich, and is an outcome of a suvery conducted of team medical personnel and input from the now-decertified players union.

So why the focus on concussions?  Well, in the 2010 playing season, including pre- and post-season play, there were a reported 223 concussions in 333 games.  The new system brings what most current athletic trainers and team physicians are already doing and puts the testing into a standardized format for every NFL team to follow.  Next season, even when games are on the line, players who have possible concussions will be put to the following tests:

• They will be told three numbers, such as 6-2-9, and asked to repeat them in reverse order.
• They will be asked to stand with feet together, hands on hips and hold that position for 20 seconds
• They will be told a list of words (such as elbow, apple, carpet, saddle and bubble) and asked to repeat them back in any order
• They will be asked basic things like, "Who did we play last game?" and "What quarter is it?"

In addition, there will be baseline testing done prior to the beginning of the season, so players have a record of their performance prior to sustaining any injury.  There are also "No Go" signs that will immediately remove a player from a game or practice.

Brain injuries are serious business and in our practice, we see the cost of these injuries every day.  As experienced Kansas City Brain Injury Attorneys we hope the NFL and other athletic organizations will all take a solid look at the possible dangers player face.  In addition, even the coaches of our children's teams in both Kansas and Missouri could benefit from understanding the dangers of concussions and how to prevent them.  Let's keep our Kansas City athletes safe!

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious brain injury in an accident in Kansas or Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.  Call our experienced Kansas Personal Injury Lawyers.  With over 15 years of experience in Brain and Spinal Injuries including cases of Traumatic Brain Injury, we may be able to assist you and your family through this difficult time.

Contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys to set up a free consultation to discuss your personal injury claim.  You can get started today by downloading our free book, "10 Essential Steps to Protecting Your Injury Claim".  We want you to know your rights.