concussion.

As the news of MLB’s proposed rule change became public, reaction was mixed.  Some former players feel it is about time MLB has taken a stand to protect its players, while others feel that collisions at home plate are par for the course and the players need to accept the risk to play the game.

Virginia sports injury lawyer Doug Landau, a competitive athlete himself, understands the pull between the drive to win a game (or race, match, etc.) at all costs, and the need to keep the body safe.  But in the end, Landau believes safety must be the first priority, as civilized society has a responsibility to protect the health of its citizens.

“With all that is known today about the long-term effects of concussion, and second impacts, we owe it to athletes — young, old, professional, recreational — to stress safety first.  Imagine the generations of youngsters who watch professional sports, live or on TV.  Children learn by watching.  Do we want our little leaguers to believe they need to crash home plate, knocking over and injuring the catcher, just to score a run?  Do we want them to think that bigger and stronger is always better? Do we want them to think that their still-growing crania and brains are unbreakable ?  Sports are supposed to promote our health, well-being and longevity, not the opposite !”

MLB’s proposed ban will be voted on by the players and could take effect as early as this upcoming season.  A welcome change, according to Lawyer Landau. If you or someone you know has been injured while playing a sport or competing in some athletic endeavor and there are questions as to what laws apply, email or call us at Abrams Landau, Ltd. at once (703-796-9555).