What is CTE?

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma. It often affects individuals involved in contact sports, military service, or jobs where head injuries are common. Over time, these injuries lead to significant brain damage, causing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral issues that worsen over time.

If you’ve been exposed to frequent head trauma, understanding CTE is crucial for your health. Recognizing the early signs and seeking medical advice can help you take steps to manage symptoms and protect your future well-being. A New York brain damage lawyer can help recover compensation if you were injured due to negligence. 

How Can You Recognize the Early Signs of CTE?

The early signs of CTE often involve subtle changes in mood, behavior, and cognitive function. You may notice increasing forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or sudden mood swings. These symptoms can be easy to overlook, especially if they develop gradually over time.

Common early signs include:

• Memory loss
• Difficulty focusing or making decisions
• Increased impulsivity or aggressive behavior
• Depression or anxiety

If you recognize any of these signs after experiencing head trauma, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early intervention can help manage symptoms before they worsen, potentially preventing further damage to your brain and overall health. Contact a New York personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options. 

Who Is Most at Risk for Developing CTE?

People most at risk for developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) are those who have experienced repeated head trauma, particularly over long periods. This risk is common in certain professions and activities that expose individuals to frequent concussions or blows to the head.

Contact Sports Athletes

Athletes involved in contact sports like football, hockey, boxing, and soccer are at high risk for CTE. The constant physical impacts, even with protective gear, can lead to long-term brain injuries. Many cases of CTE have been linked to professional and amateur athletes in these sports.

Military Veterans

Military veterans, especially those exposed to blast injuries or combat, also face a significant risk of developing CTE. Repeated exposure to explosions or head trauma during active duty can have serious effects on brain health over time.

Others at Risk

Individuals who have sustained multiple head injuries through accidents, domestic violence, or hazardous jobs may also be at risk. Even seemingly minor head injuries can accumulate and result in CTE, particularly if they occur frequently.

What Are Your Legal Options if a Loved One Dies from CTE?

If your loved one suffered a fatal brain injury caused by CTE, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Families could seek legal action if the brain trauma leading to CTE resulted from negligence, such as unsafe conditions in sports, work environments, or other activities where repeated head injuries were not properly managed.

You may wonder, Can I file a lawsuit if my loved one suffered a fatal brain injury? The answer is often yes, especially if it can be proven that the organization or party responsible failed to protect your loved one from the dangers of repeated concussions. These lawsuits can provide compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and more.

Pursuing legal action can also ensure that those responsible are held accountable, potentially preventing future harm to others. If you believe negligence contributed to your loved one’s death, consulting with a lawyer is the first step toward justice.

How Can a Lawyer Help if You Suspect CTE?

If you or a loved one has been affected by CTE, a lawyer can provide crucial support by guiding you through your legal options. Legal representation can ensure that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve. A lawyer can assist with the following:

• Investigating the cause of injuries: Your attorney will examine the events or conditions that led to repeated head trauma, whether from sports, military service, or unsafe working environments.
• Determining liability: They will identify the responsible parties, such as sports leagues, employers, or organizations that failed to protect you or your loved one from harm.
• Filing legal claims: If negligence is involved, a lawyer can help you file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Negotiating settlements: In many cases, responsible parties may attempt to settle claims outside of court. Your attorney will ensure that any settlement offer is fair and adequate for your needs.
• Preparing for trial: If a settlement is not possible, a trial-ready lawyer will aggressively pursue your case in court to secure justice.

Working with a lawyer experienced in CTE-related cases can be key to holding the right parties accountable and protecting your future. Their experience ensures that your case is handled effectively, giving you the best chance for a successful outcome.

Take Action to Protect Your Rights

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a serious condition that can have lasting effects on you and your loved ones. If repeated head trauma has caused devastating consequences in your life, it’s essential to act now. At Morelli Law Firm, we are known for our aggressive trial stance and dedication to securing justice for our clients. 

We won’t hesitate to hold the responsible parties accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait to take control of your future. Contact us today to begin your case, and let us fight for the justice you and your family deserve.