As the fall sports season begins, many California families will be spending weekends at football games and other athletic events. While youth sports provide valuable opportunities for teamwork and physical activity, they also come with risks—one of the most serious being concussions. These head injuries are alarmingly common among young athletes and can lead to long-term health problems if not promptly recognized and treated.

At Hillstone Law, we are committed to helping families understand the dangers of concussions and holding negligent parties accountable when proper safety measures are ignored.

Understanding the Risks of Youth Sports Concussions

A concussion occurs when a bump, blow, or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. Even seemingly minor impacts can cause significant damage to a young athlete’s developing brain.

Warning signs of a concussion include:

• Dizziness or loss of consciousness
• Trouble walking in a straight line or maintaining balance
• Blurred or double vision
• Memory lapses or confusion about the injury
• Slurred speech or difficulty understanding others
• Headaches, nausea, or vomiting

If your child exhibits any of these symptoms after a sports injury, seek immediate medical attention. Untreated concussions can lead to severe complications or lifelong disabilities.

National Concussion Awareness Day

Each year, on the third Friday of September, National Concussion Awareness Day raises awareness of the risks associated with head injuries—especially in youth sports. The event encourages athletes, parents, and coaches to recognize symptoms early, report injuries, and allow adequate time for recovery before returning to play.

Liability for Concussion Injuries in Youth Sports

Schools, coaches, and sports organizations have a duty to protect student-athletes from preventable harm. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ensuring proper safety equipment, safe playing surfaces, and training against overly aggressive play are critical to reducing concussion risks.

Negligence may occur if:

• A coach pressures a child to continue playing despite signs of a concussion
• Safety protocols, such as mandatory medical clearance, are ignored
• Teams fail to provide or maintain proper protective gear
• School administrators neglect to enforce concussion safety policies

When these responsibilities are ignored, coaches, staff, or schools can be held legally liable for the resulting injuries.

The Long-Term Effects of Concussions

Even a single concussion can have lasting consequences, and repeated injuries may lead to permanent disabilities. Potential long-term effects include:

• Physical impairments: balance problems, vertigo, and chronic headaches
• Cognitive impairments: difficulty with memory, judgment, and concentration
• Emotional issues: depression, anxiety, and sudden mood swings

These conditions can impact a child’s education, social life, and future opportunities.

Protecting Your Child’s Future with Hillstone Law

If your child has suffered a concussion due to negligent supervision, unsafe conditions, or failure to follow proper safety protocols, you may have a legal right to pursue compensation. At Hillstone Law, our California personal injury attorneys fight for families to recover damages for:

• Medical bills and rehabilitation
• Future care needs
• Emotional distress
• Loss of educational and career opportunities

Contact Hillstone Law today for a free consultation and let us help you protect your child’s future.