There has been much media attention over the number of athletes who have suffered permanent damage caused by traumatic brain injuries (TBI), such as multiple concussions, particularly for athletes who participate in football and hockey. The long-term and permanent damage that is reportedly caused by TBIs includes a decline in cognitive abilities, early onset Alzheimer’s, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain tissue.

Originally, the media attention began because of the number of professional athletes who suffered devastating effects from TBIs. However, over the past several years, a focus has been placed on the number of incidents of TBIs suffered by younger victims, especially teenagers, who are involved school or recreational sports.

According to national statistics, there are 1.7 million documented victims who suffer from some type of traumatic brain injury every year in this country. Various studies state the estimate is too low and that the actual number of victims every year is just under 4 million. The number of adolescents and children who receive TBI’s in sports-related accidents is approximately 173,285. Contrary to what many people may think, the majority of those injuries may not occur in actual games against opponents, but instead during practice with a victim’s own teammates.

A new study was conducted by Datalys Center for Sports Injury Research and Prevention Inc., utilizing data supplied by the National Athletic Treatment, Injury and Outcomes Network, the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program, and the Youth Football Surveillance System. The researchers discovered that of the 20,000 who were injured playing football during the 2012-2013 season, more than half—57 percent—received those injuries during a practice session.

There were 1,198 injured players who were diagnosed with concussions during the season, accounting for almost 10 percent of the total injuries received. Twenty-two percent were playing college football, 66 percent were involved in high school football, and 12 percent were playing youth football.

Researchers point out that this study should serve as a reminder to coaches and others involved in overseeing sports programs of the importance of implementing safety guidelines, even for practices. If your child has been injured in a sports-related accident, contact an experienced Westport personal injury attorney to find out what legal recourse you may have against the negligent party.