New Laws Regarding Concussions in Michigan

Jan 9, 2014 | General

Michigan, like other states, is constantly amending, updating and adding statutes and laws to better protect their residents. From cell phones to credit scoring, dozens of laws went into effect in Michigan in 2013. One of the many laws that were enacted in 2013 in Michigan was the Michigan Sports Concussion Law. Last year saw concussions making headlines throughout the country due to the proposed $760 million dollar NFL concussion settlement.

Meanwhile in Michigan, we became the 39th U.S. State to enact a law which regulates sports concussions. The law went into full effect in June 2013 and required that all youth sports coaches, employees as well as volunteers in Michigan participate in a mandatory concussion awareness program. Furthermore, coaches also were made to remove any youth athlete suspected of having a concussion from participation until the child was given written clearance from a health professional.

The Michigan Sports Concussion Law also enacted that each department develop, adopt or approve educational materials on the nature and risks of concussions. Any and all organizations that operate an athletic activity in which youth athletes participate are subject to these rules. In addition to having to provide educational materials and limiting play by those who are suspected of having a concussion, the organization must also obtain a signed statement from each athlete and their parents/guardians acknowledging receipt of this information.

The number of concussions in high school athletes in the U.S. is more than 140,000 making this a concern. Created to safeguard young athletes, the Michigan Sports Concussion Law was sponsored by a number of lawmakers as well as others including Detroit Lions President Tom Lewand. Some rules were already in place in regard to concussions by the Michigan High School Athletic Association which required that any player who exhibited symptoms of a concussion be removed from the game, however, with the new statewide mandated laws in place, players, trainers and families are sure to be more aware of concussions in the future.

Attorney Northern MI

Just one of many laws which were added to the books in 2013, Michigan continues to find new ways to better safeguard its residents. APKH&C is an attorney Northern MI. Offering a variety of legal services, APKH&C specializes in workers compensation, personal injury and motor vehicle accidents, social security and disability law and medication errors. If you live in Northern Michigan and are looking for an attorney, contact APKH&C at 1.877.732.2491.