Oklahoma and the city of Tulsa have always had a strong culture surrounding youth football. From local youth leagues to high school and college, football has been a staple of many Tulsa communities for generations.
However, new concerns and studies related to concussions and serious brain injuries have created serious doubts in the minds of many parents about the safety of both youth and high school football.
This increase in concussion awareness is making a noticeable impact on parents around the country. This change is evidenced by many studies, including one by the National Sporting Goods Association that found participation in youth football declined by nearly 13% between 2011 and 2013. Additionally, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons found that anywhere between 4%-20% of college and high school football players will suffer a concussion or brain injury during the course of a full season.
Oklahoma Passes Regulations to Protect Youth Football Participants
Oklahoma lawmakers have taken action to defend those children and families that still choose to participate in youth football programs at all levels. For example, former Oklahoma governor Brad Henry passed the Youth Sports Concussion Safety Statute in 2010. This law lays out certain protocols to protect the health of youth football players, including:
-The development and adoption of strict concussion guidelines and education programs by school district education boards.
-A mandatory “Informed Consent” form that must be signed by a parent or guardian prior to a youth athlete’s first practice. This consent form includes a concussion and head injury information sheet and must be completed before the beginning of every season.
-The immediate removal of any player suspected of suffering a concussion during a game or practice.
-Mandatory, uniform medical testing must be completed by all participants that wish to return to their sport after leaving with a concussion. This testing must be conducted by a licensed health care provider with specific training in evaluating and treating concussions and brain injuries.
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries are serious, and the Tulsa injury attorneys at Graves McLain can help to assess the full damages in brain injury cases. Victims of traumatic brain injuries and their families need the aid of an expert attorney who understands the physical, emotional, and financial struggles that result from these catastrophic injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury playing organized sports or during any type of accident, contact Graves McLain Brain Injury lawyers so that we can represent you in your time of need.
We’ll speak with you for free and help represent you and your family. Our goal is to secure you the maximum compensation to help cover medical bills, lost wages, home alterations, prescriptions, therapy, and all other related services necessary. Graves McLain is experienced in handling claims involving traumatic brain injuries.
All cases are handled on a no-win, no fee basis. We only get paid after you get paid. If there is no recovery, then there is no legal fee.
Contact us today for a Free Case Evaluation at 918-359-6600, or email us directly or request a Free Consultation online by filling out the form on this website. An experienced attorney will review the details of your case and determine the best course of action.
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