If it is called into question whether the recommended course of action was taken for a teen with a suspected concussion, certified life care planners and medical expert witnesses can help shed light on the implications, lending an informed clinical perspective in the courtroom. Cardinal LifeCare links lawyers working on either side of a concussion injury case with qualified legal nursing consultants. Call us at 724-487-0519 or keep reading to learn more about our professionals and the services they provide.
Concussions in Teenage Athletes
Each year, an estimated 300,000 concussions are sustained by high school athletes, across both contact sports and other activities. Depending on the individual case, the severity of a concussion’s effects may vary; but, all TBIs should be treated as potentially serious injuries.
Common indicators of a concussion include:
- Dizziness;
- Memory problems;
- Headaches;
- Light/sound sensitivity;
- Irritability and personality changes;
- Nausea;
- And others.
Even if symptoms seem mild, the CDC advises that a high school athlete be promptly removed from play and evaluated by a professional following a blow to the head. After this, they should be given adequate time to rest and recover before returning to activities. Unfortunately, these guidelines are not always followed, which can interfere with healing, lead to worsening symptoms and contribute to the development of repeat concussions (and potentially to a more severe concussion-related condition).
How Life Care Planners & Expert Witnesses Assist with Concussion Cases
Employing their extensive knowledge and applying research regarding the possible consequences of concussions in teenage athletes, Cardinal LifeCare’s legal nurse consultants can provide a comprehensive concussion nursing care plan outlining and justifying a young concussion patient’s care needs. This document will specify what the patient is likely to require in terms of assessment/evaluation, rehabilitation, accessibility devices and other types of support to aid in their recovery.
Additionally, our qualified medical legal professionals with specialized expertise relating to concussion impacts can serve as expert witnesses during trial or settlement negotiations. Their testimonial can be instrumental in establishing grounds for a legal claim as well as in demonstrating the full medical implications of a concussion in understandable terms. To connect with the right consultants from our team of licensed legal nursing professionals, reach out to us at 724-487-0519.
