SAN DIEGO, CA – Few moments are as tense as when an athlete goes down on the field. While applause often follows when they stand again, the danger may not be over. An undiagnosed concussion—a mild traumatic brain injury—can silently follow, with potentially life-changing consequences if missed. And concussions don’t only affect athletes; car crashes, workplace accidents, and everyday falls are among the leading causes.
Dr. Carl Price on the Hidden Dangers of Concussions
This perspective comes from Dr. Carl Price, a physician and concussion awareness advocate, who has written about how his own apparent concussion once went undiagnosed. Dr. Price emphasizes that without better tools, too many athletes and accident victims risk long-term brain damage simply because their injuries are invisible to standard exams.
His recent commentary highlights the potential of a new 15-minute diagnostic test named i-STAT, which could provide quick, objective results, revolutionizing sideline sports medicine and emergency care.
Why Concussions Often Go Undiagnosed
Concussions are notoriously problematic to detect. Unlike visible fractures or bleeding, symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, or headaches are subjective and often dismissed.
According to the American Brain Foundation, more than 1 in 140 people worldwide sustain a concussion each year. Among U.S. college students, the rate rises to 1 in 75, based on research from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Many concussions remain undiagnosed because:
- Athletes may downplay symptoms to keep playing.
- Symptoms can be delayed, appearing hours or days later.
- Current diagnostic tools often rely on self-reporting.
Legal Context: Schools, Sports, and Liability
In California, concussion safety is regulated under AB 2007 (Youth Sports Concussion Protocols), which requires:
- Immediate removal from play if a concussion is suspected.
- Medical clearance is required before an athlete can return.
- Training for coaches on recognizing and responding to concussions.
At the federal level, the CDC’s HEADS UP program provides national guidelines for concussion management in youth sports, though enforcement is state-driven.
Failure by schools, coaches, or sports organizations to follow proper concussion protocols could amount to negligence. Victims may pursue claims under California Civil Code §1714, which establishes the general duty of care, and in some instances, negligence per se if safety laws were violated.
Possible Compensation for Undiagnosed Concussions
When an undiagnosed concussion leads to worsening medical outcomes, victims and families may be entitled to pursue damages such as:
- Medical expenses: ER care, follow-up neurological testing, rehabilitation, and long-term therapy.
- Lost wages and future earning potential: Especially if the injury impairs memory, focus, or cognitive ability.
- Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional toll of prolonged recovery or permanent impairment.
- Wrongful death claims: In tragic cases where brain injuries prove fatal.
Courts recognize that the hidden nature of concussions does not reduce the liability of responsible parties when proper safety protocols were ignored.
How We Can Help
If you or a loved one suffered an undiagnosed concussion due to an accident or unsafe conditions, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to provide compassionate, expert guidance. We offer:
- Free Consultations: Learn about your rights and options without any upfront costs.
- No-Win, No-Fee Guarantee: You only pay if we win your case.
- Comprehensive Support: From dealing with insurance companies to seeking maximum compensation, we’re with you every step of the way.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
No one should suffer the lasting effects of an undiagnosed brain injury without help. If you or a loved one has been impacted, contact the Brain Injury Help Center today for a free consultation. Let us fight for the medical treatment you need and the money you deserve.
