High School Football Brain Injury Settlement

High School Football Brain Injury Settlement: What You Need to Know

High school football is a beloved American tradition, but it comes with significant risks. Brain injuries, particularly concussions, are a major concern, leading to increased awareness, stricter safety protocols, and, in some cases, legal action. If your child has suffered a brain injury while playing high school football, understanding your legal options, including the possibility of a settlement, is crucial.

The Alarming Reality of Brain Injuries in High School Football

Football has the highest rate of concussions compared to other high school sports. Studies show that high school football players experience an average of 11.2 concussions per 10,000 athletic exposures, a rate higher than both college and professional levels. This elevated risk is attributed to several factors:

  • Physical Development: High school athletes are still developing physically, making them more susceptible to injuries.
  • Skill Level: Compared to professionals, high school athletes have a lower skill level, leading to riskier plays.
  • Higher Impact: Youth tackle football athletes had an estimated 18 times more head impacts per practice and 19 times more head impacts per game than flag football athletes.

While awareness of concussion dangers has grown, a 2025 study revealed that 83% of parents believe concussion incidence in youth football exceeds 10 per 100 players, even though the actual rate is closer to 1–4 per 1,000 athletic exposures. This disconnect highlights the need for continued education and vigilance.

Understanding the Legal Landscape

When a high school football player suffers a brain injury, several legal avenues may be available. These often revolve around the concept of negligence. Schools and sports organizations have a responsibility to protect their players. This includes:

  • Implementing and Enforcing Safety Protocols: Schools must have clear protocols for preventing, identifying, and managing concussions.
  • Providing Adequate Medical Supervision: Qualified medical personnel should be present at games and practices to assess and treat injuries.
  • Ensuring Proper Training and Equipment: Coaches must be trained in proper techniques, and players must have access to well-maintained, properly fitting protective gear.

If a school or organization fails in these duties, they may be held liable for resulting injuries. Examples of negligence can include:

  • Failure to follow concussion protocols: This includes not removing a player from the game after a suspected concussion or allowing them to return to play too soon.
  • Lack of proper medical staff: Not having a qualified athletic trainer present at games and practices.
  • Ignoring warning signs: Disregarding a player’s complaints of headaches, dizziness, or confusion.
  • Encouraging a “tough it out” culture: Pressuring athletes to play through injuries.

The Path to a Settlement

If negligence is suspected, a lawsuit may be filed to seek compensation for the injured athlete’s damages. A settlement is an agreement reached between the parties to resolve the case outside of court. Several factors influence the likelihood and amount of a high school football brain injury settlement:

  1. Establishing Negligence: Proving that the school or organization failed in its duty of care is paramount.
  2. Demonstrating Causation: It must be shown that the brain injury was a direct result of the negligence.

  3. Quantifying Damages: This involves assessing the full extent of the athlete’s losses, including:

    • Medical Expenses: Covering past and future treatment costs, including therapy, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
    • Lost Future Earnings: If the injury impacts the athlete’s ability to work, compensation for lost earning potential may be available.
    • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
    • Insurance Coverage: School districts and sports organizations often have insurance policies that can cover settlements.
    • State Laws: Some states have laws that limit the amount of damages that can be recovered from government entities like school districts.

Real-Life Examples

Several high-profile cases illustrate the potential for settlements in high school football brain injury cases:

  • Logan Wood (South Carolina, 2025): A $750,000 settlement was finalized for a former high school football player who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being allowed to continue playing despite showing concussion symptoms. The school district was found grossly negligent for failing to follow its own concussion protocols and not having an athletic trainer present.
  • Rashaun Council (California, 2018): A former high school football player was awarded $7.1 million due to the school’s mishandling of his concussion. The court ruled that the failure to diagnose his condition properly resulted in permanent disability.
  • Scott Eveland (San Diego, 2007): A settlement of $4.4 million was agreed upon after a high school football player suffered a severe brain injury. The coach allegedly ignored warning signs, denying the player’s request to sit out due to a headache.

The Long-Term Consequences

Brain injuries can have devastating long-term effects, including:

  • Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): A degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma, causing behavioral problems, mood disorders, and cognitive decline. CTE has been found in individuals as young as 17, with symptoms potentially appearing years or decades after the initial injuries.
  • Second Impact Syndrome: A second concussion occurs before a first injury has even healed.
  • Cognitive Impairment: Difficulties with memory, attention, and executive function.
  • Mental Health Issues: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

Protecting Young Athletes: What Can Be Done?

Preventing brain injuries in high school football requires a multi-faceted approach:

  • Education: Coaches, players, and parents need to be educated about the risks of concussions and the importance of proper management.
  • Rule Changes: Implementing and enforcing rules that limit head contact, such as targeting and helmet-to-helmet hits.
  • Improved Equipment: Developing and using helmets that better protect against concussions.
  • Independent Medical Evaluations: Ensuring that qualified medical professionals have the final say on whether an athlete is cleared to return to play.
  • Limiting Contact in Practice: Studies show that most concussions occur during practice, so reducing full-contact drills can significantly lower the risk.

Do You Have a Case?

If your child has suffered a brain injury while playing high school football, it’s essential to seek legal advice. An attorney specializing in sports-related injuries can:

  • Evaluate the circumstances of the injury.
  • Determine if negligence was a factor.
  • Advise you on your legal options.
  • Negotiate with insurance companies.
  • Represent you in court, if necessary.

Contacting an attorney does not mean you are forced to file a lawsuit. It simply allows you to understand your rights and make informed decisions. Many attorneys offer free consultations, so there is no risk in seeking guidance.

A Final Thought

The love of the game should never come at the expense of a young athlete’s health and well-being. By understanding the risks, knowing your legal options, and advocating for safer playing conditions, you can help protect our student-athletes from the devastating consequences of brain injuries.