Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain condition associated with repeated head injuries. But what exactly is CTE, and how does it relate to brain injuries, especially in legal contexts? Please continue reading and reach out to a dedicated Connecticut brain injury lawyer from Casper & de Toledo to learn more about CTE and how our legal team can help if you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury due to the negligence of another. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What Is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)?
CTE is a degenerative brain disease found in athletes, military veterans, and others with a history of repetitive brain trauma. Most commonly known in the realm of sports, particularly in football players, CTE has become a growing concern. This disease is characterized by a buildup of tau, an abnormal protein that can disrupt brain function. Symptoms of CTE, including memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, aggression, depression, anxiety, impulse control issues, and sometimes suicidal behavior, can appear years or even decades after the trauma.
How Does CTE Occur?
The mechanism behind CTE involves repeated blows to the head, leading to brain damage. It’s not just about severe concussions; even minor, repeated impacts can contribute to the disease. CTE’s development is particularly insidious because it can occur without any immediate symptoms. Athletes or individuals in high-impact professions are often unaware of the damage accumulating in their brains. This invisible progression makes legal cases involving CTE challenging yet essential.
Why Is CTE a Legal Concern?
While CTE is generally not a significant concern unless a person is engaged in contact sports (but see Hobson, W, “The broken promise of the NFL concussion settlement”, The Washington Post, February 3, 2024), the existence of the devastating damage of CTE does suggest that sub-concussive and other less severe head injuries can produce concerning injury if not structural damage to the brain parenchyma and white matter fibers. So, CTE raises significant legal questions, especially in personal injury law. Victims suffering from all classifications of TBI and consequential neuro-degenerative conditions face lifelong challenges, needing extensive medical care and support. Here at Casper & de Toledo, our goal is to secure the compensation that reflects the severity and long-term nature of our clients’ conditions. To do so, however, we will have to prove the impact CTE has had on a client’s life.
Furthermore, legal cases involving CTE often delve into questions of negligence and liability. Was the injury preventable? Did the responsible parties fail to provide adequate protection or warning? These are crucial questions for personal injury lawyers handling CTE-related cases.
Ultimately, securing the compensation our clients need is our number one priority, and if you or a loved one has sustained a TBI and developed CTE as a result, we are here to help. Contact Casper & de Toledo today so we can begin working on your case.
