Concussions are a common injury among children and adolescents engaged in sports and recreational activities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 3.9 million sports-related and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year. Without proper evaluation and management, the risk of severe injury or even death from a concussion or head injury is significant. In this blog post, we’ll explore what a concussion is and outline the state-mandated guidelines for managing these injuries.
Understanding Concussions
According to Washington State law RCW 28A.600.190, a concussion is defined as “a type of brain injury that can range from mild to severe and disrupt the brain’s normal functioning.” Concussions can happen during any sport or recreational activity, whether organized or not, and may result from falls, player collisions, or impacts with obstacles. They can occur with or without loss of consciousness, though most concussions do not involve a loss of consciousness.
Concussions & Head Injuries Guidelines
Each school district’s board of directors collaborates with the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) to develop guidelines and provide essential information to coaches, athletes, and their families about the risks of concussions and head injuries. This includes details on the risks of continuing to play after a concussion or head injury. Annually, youth athletes and their parents or guardians must sign and return a concussion and head injury information sheet before the athlete begins practice or competition.
If a youth athlete is suspected of having a concussion or head injury during a practice or game, they must be immediately removed from play.
An athlete who has been removed from play cannot return until they have been evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider trained in concussion management and have received written clearance to resume activity. This healthcare provider may be a volunteer, and such volunteers are protected from civil liability except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
GLP Attorneys has extensive experience handling personal injury cases involving school liability and traumatic brain injury cases. Located across Washington State, GLP Attorneys has successfully helped hundreds of clients receive the justice they deserve after an accident. If your child has sustained a concussion or head injury due to the general negligence of another, please call our attorneys for a free consultation at 800.273.5005.