Standing Up For Athletes Who Suffered Needless Brain Injuries

A lot of us played youth and high school sports growing up. Later, our children followed in our footsteps. Sports like football, baseball, softball, soccer and basketball can teach important lessons about applying self-discipline, participating in teamwork and trying your best to work toward a goal.

But sports can also leave you or your child vulnerable to serious, long-lasting injuries, especially brain trauma. Concussions and more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can affect your ability to function and can even rob you of your ability to earn a living. Since 1992, attorney Paul J. Smoot has represented victims of personal injury, including those who have suffered TBIs through sports. He will work with you one-on-one to investigate your case and go over your options, which could include litigation.

Sports-Related Brain Trauma And California Law

Generally, when you play a sport or participate in practice, the law considers you to have “assumed the risk” of injury inherent in that sport. For example, a football player who gets tackled and suffers a bone fracture likely does not have a personal injury claim against the defender, because hard tackles that can cause injury are said to be part of the game. By agreeing to play the sport, you essentially agree that there is a risk that you will get hurt.

But there are also incidents where somebody goes beyond the boundaries of the sport and allows preventable injuries. For example, say your teenager’s high school football team fails to provide properly fitting helmets that work as they are supposed to. As a result, your child suffers a brain injury. Or, their coach uses overly aggressive tactics in practice or during games that put your child at unnecessary risk.

These are the types of scenarios that can lead to a legal claim. You or your child might be eligible for compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and more. At his firm, the Law Office of Paul J. Smoot, Paul is equally adept in negotiations and litigation against insurance companies. He will pursue all avenues of compensation to hold the negligent parties accountable.

Find Out What Your Options Are After A Sports Brain Injury

Discuss your case with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Contact the Law Office of Paul J. Smoot at its San Mateo office to schedule an appointment for a consultation. Please call 650-548-0900.