Washington State

Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury and are caused by a blow  that causes the head to rapidly move back and forth. Repeated concussions may result in brain damage including dementia puglistica or other severe complications including post-concussive syndrome.

Concussions among high school athletes can have long-term mental and physical effects because younger brains are more susceptible to injury.  Students who have had more than one concussion have an increased risk of long-term consequences including:

• amnesia
• confusion
• dizziness
• impaired balance
• nausea
• fatigue
• inability to sleep
• sensitivity to light or noise, ringing in the ears
• blurred vision
• loss of sense of smell, taste or hearing
• mood changes including anxiety, irritability, depression
• difficulty in concentrating

Every year, it is estimated that there are 3.8 million sports related concussions in the U.S. Washington State has the strictest  return to play law in the nation which was enacted to protect student athletes. The  Washington law was named the Lystedt Law after Zackery Lystedt who suffered a brain injury when he was returned to play after a concussion in a middle school football game.

The Lystedt law requires the following for athletes under the age of 19:

1. Training regarding concussions should be given to athletes, parents and coaches each year so that symptoms of concussions cam be clearly recognized.
2. If an athlete under the age of 18 is thought to have a concussion, he or she must be removed from the playing field, game, or practice.
3. An athlete with a suspected concussion must be examined my a medical care professional and a release signed before the student is allowed to return to play.

The Farber Law Group represents people who have suffered concussions or brain damage due to the negligence of another.  Please contact The Farber Law Group to discuss your case.