The movie Concussion, which premiered last month to solid reviews and which has already garnered its lead, Will Smith a Golden Globe nomination, is based on true events that hit especially close to home for many former and current National Football League (NFL) players and their families who watched it recently. This is because some of the information Concussion seeks get out to the public, could be a real game changer for the sport.

In the film, Smith plays Dr. Bennet Omalu, a forensic neuropathologist who first discovered chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in deceased football players, and subsequently published his findings. The dramatic thriller showcases his fight to get the truth out against the wishes of the NFL.

What is CTE?

CTE is a type of progressive degenerative disease that individuals who have experienced repeated head injuries are prone to. Some 28% of all professional football players will suffer from CTE, symptoms are similar to that of dementia leading some CTE sufferers to suicide, as was the case of former NFL player Terry Long who committed suicide in 2006 and whom Omalu based his second paper, Neurosurgery, on.

The film received emotional reactions from several players including New York Jets offensive lineman D’Brickashaw Ferguson who said after watching the movie, and reading the book it’s based on, he felt “betrayed” by the NFL for not being more upfront about the reality of the disease.

Since 2011, the NFL has settled 5000 lawsuits from retired players.

Here at Meshbesher & Spence we handle traumatic brain injury (TBI) and head injury cases every day, some of which are caused by sports injuries. We understand that brain injuries are serious, sometimes costing the victim their life, but more often, permanently altering the quality of their life. The challenges of this transition are many, but our attorneys at Meshbesher & Spence understand the complexity of the situation and the immense life changes it presents for the victims and their family.

Concussions: What to look for

Symptoms of a concussion or head injury may include:

Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
Temporary loss of consciousness
Seizures
Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
Blurred vision
Memory loss
Dizziness or “seeing stars”
Ringing in the ears
Nausea
Vomiting
Slurred speech
Light sensitivity
Delayed response to questions
Appearing dazed
Fatigue
Sleep problems
Depression
If you or a member of your family has suffered a brain injury as a result of a sports injury, contact Meshbesher & Spence immediately to discuss the details of your case. Our attorneys are here to ensure that you receive the medical care and rehabilitation treatments you deserve.