Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
The sudden death of a Georgia high school football player made national headlines—and raised serious concerns about head injuries in youth sports. Dylan Thomas, a 16-year-old linebacker, collapsed on the sidelines after telling trainers he couldn’t feel his body. Two days later, he died from a traumatic brain injury.
This tragic story is not isolated. Families across Oklahoma and beyond are learning that youth football, while beloved, carries real and sometimes deadly risks. This guide explains what traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are, how they affect student-athletes, and what legal steps families may consider when negligence plays a role.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when a sudden blow or jolt to the head causes the brain to move inside the skull. In football, this can result from helmet-to-helmet contact, falls, or hits that appear minor at first but accumulate over time, leading to long-term effects.
The most common form of TBI in youth sports is a concussion. It may not involve loss of consciousness, but it still affects the brain’s functioning.
The CDC defines a concussion as a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to rotate back and forth..
In more severe cases, injuries like subdural hematomas or second impact syndrome can occur. These injuries may cause permanent damage or lead to death if not treated right away.
Brain injuries are not always apparent. Symptoms can appear immediately or slowly develop over hours or days. That’s why athletes, parents, and coaches must know what to watch for after a hit to the head.
Second impact syndrome, where a second concussion occurs before the first has healed, can be fatal—even if the second hit seems minor.
If any of these signs are present, the athlete should be removed from play and receive immediate medical attention. In some cases, these symptoms are ignored or minimized—leading to tragic consequences like the one in Dylan’s case.
In Oklahoma, schools, coaches, and athletic trainers have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of student-athletes. If they fail to follow safety protocols or ignore clear warning signs, they may be held responsible for the harm that follows.
Families may pursue compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim. These legal actions can help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and emotional suffering.
In Oklahoma, wrongful death claims are governed by Title 12 §1053, which allows surviving family members to pursue compensation when a death results from another party’s wrongful act or negligence.
To prove liability, your legal team must show that Someone did not take proper measures to avoid injury. This might include allowing a player to continue after exhibiting concussion symptoms or failing to provide appropriate medical supervision during games.
Here’s how different brain injuries in sports compare:
Type of Injury | Description | Recovery Time | Risks if Untreated |
| Concussion | Mild brain injury with temporary dysfunction | Days to weeks | Cognitive issues, repeat injuries |
| Subdural Hematoma | Bleeding between brain and skull | Weeks to months | Seizures, coma, death |
| Second Impact Syndrome | Second injury before healing from the first | Often fatal | Brain swelling, respiratory failure |
According to the CDC, approximately 15% of high school students who play contact sports report at least one concussion per year.
This chart illustrates the severity of these injuries when symptoms are overlooked or protocols aren’t followed.
Yes, many brain injuries can be prevented through better awareness, faster response times, and stricter safety rules. The CDC and National Athletic Trainers’ Association have guidelines for concussion care, including removing players from games and requiring medical clearance before return.
Some school districts in Oklahoma have improved return-to-play rules, but gaps still exist. Coaches and school staff must be trained to recognize symptoms and act quickly.
When that doesn’t happen, and a child is hurt or dies, families may have a right to take legal action.
Families facing the trauma of a sports-related brain injury or wrongful death need more than just legal advice—they need Someone who understands the medical, emotional, and legal aspects of these complex cases.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps families across Tulsa investigate what happened, gather the correct medical records and expert opinions, and determine whether negligence played a role in the incident.
While no legal action can undo the pain of losing a child, it can help families find accountability, prevent future injuries, and get support for what lies ahead.
A concussion is the most frequent type of brain injury in high school football. It’s considered a mild TBI but may have long-term effects, especially with repeated hits.
Yes, if the school, coach, or staff failed in their duty of care—such as ignoring symptoms or failing to follow return-to-play protocols—they may be held liable under Oklahoma law.
Watch for headaches, nausea, confusion, dizziness, and changes in mood or behavior. Some symptoms may be delayed by hours or days.
In most cases, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Oklahoma.
Families may pursue damages for medical bills, funeral costs, emotional suffering, and loss of companionship. Every case is unique.
Seek immediate medical attention and avoid returning to play. Document your symptoms, consult with coaches, and Consider talking with a knowledgeable attorney to understand your. Options.
The loss of a young athlete is heartbreaking—and often preventable. While sports can be a powerful outlet for youth, they also carry risks that must be taken seriously. When schools, coaches, or medical staff fail to act responsibly, families have legal tools to seek answers and hold them accountable.
Suppose your family has experienced a traumatic brain injury or wrongful death related to a school sport. In that case, Graves McLain Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the following steps. Their team provides compassionate support as they help families seek justice during difficult times.
Please make an appointment for a free consultation with GRAVES MACLAIN INJURY LAWYERS right now to find out how they can support your future.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
