Concussions: Not Just From Car Wrecks

Posted in Car accidents on February 4, 2016

As avid hockey fans our firm anxiously watched the Nashville Predators win another game over the Calgary Flames on its Western Canadian road trip last week.

As personal injury attorneys our firm anxiously watched as one of the on-ice officials was hit from behind by a player from the Flames during the game. With contact with an on-ice official being considered one of the worst ‘offenses’ a player can commit in the game, we wondered what could have provoked such behavior from a professional athlete?

It turns out that Dennis Wideman, the offending player, was hit by a Predator just moments earlier causing him to suffer a concussion. Although Wideman continued to play out the rest of the game, the NHL confirmed that after the game ended Wideman was diagnosed with a concussion.

As personal injury attorneys we are accustomed to seeing different symptoms that arise from suffering a concussion. Concussions are considered a Traumatic Brain Injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Wideman complained of being woozy or foggy after taking a hit and indicated that is why he collided with Henderson. According to a report issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) effects of a traumatic brain injury can include impaired thinking or memory, movement, sensation or emotional functioning, including personality changes. These effects can be mild and brief in nature or can be severe and last for an extended period of time and even result in memory loss. As a long standing player in the NHL with a relatively unmarked reputation, effects from a concussion may help to explain Widemans’ uncharacteristic behavior.

The CDC report went on to state that motor vehicle accidents comprised over 14% of reported traumatic brain injuries or concussions. If you are involved in a car wreck or accident where you have sustained a head injury, it is important that you keep note of any changes in your mental or emotional state and inform your primary care physician of your observations as it may be that you have suffered a traumatic brain injury.

We have over 35 years of experience providing trusted legal advice in middle Tennessee . If you are involved in a car wreck or accident contact one of our attorneys today for a free consultation.

(615) 256-8880.

 

Photo Credit: Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press via AP