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How Much Do You Know About the California Concussion Protocol?

If your child plays a contact sport, then it is important to know about the correct California concussion protocol. When a child suffers a head injury and this protocol is not followed, they could face long-term consequences. Keep reading to learn about the California concussion protocol. If your child has suffered a football head injury or another sports-related injury, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 to request a free legal consultation.

Head Injuries Can Be Even More Serious for Young Athletes

While any head injury for a person of any age has the potential to be serious, younger athletes are at the highest possible risk. Why? Because until they are around 25 years old, their brains have not fully developed. An injury at this time can be devastating.

California Education Code 49475

The California concussion protocol is outlined in California Education Code 49475:

  • A student who has sustained a head injury or concussion must be removed from all athletic activities for the rest of the day
  • The student can then not return to athletic activities until they have been evaluated.
  • They must have written clearance from a licensed medical provider in order to return.

If a school or other sports organization does not abide by these rules, then they can be held liable for any injuries that occur.

The Importance of Following this Protocol

If a child suffers a head injury and does this protocol is not followed, they could end up with long-term or even permanent brain injuries. Mental health issues are all too common amongst younger athletes that have suffered head trauma and not received the appropriate treatment. Additional consequences they could face include:

  • Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
  • Decreased intention span
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Vertigo
  • Anxiety

To put it simply, an athlete’s long-term safety is at risk if they are not treated appropriately after a concussion.

What to Do if You Believe Your Child Has Sustained a Concussion

Obviously, if your child is unconscious after being struck in the head, they are going to need immediate medical care – but how do you know if they need medical care if they seem to be coherent? At this point, you should talk to the medical personnel at the sports event. If there is no one like that there, then you should have your child seen by a doctor. Do not assume that just because they say they feel all right, they are actually all right.

If your child has suffered a brain injury after being put back in the game when hit in the head, then you might have grounds to sue for compensation for your damages. Contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 now to request a free legal consultation and find out what your options are.