CTE Injuries Suffered by Combat Sports
Ali Expansion Act
The Ali Expansion Act aims to introduce similar protections for pro combat sports athletes that the Ali Act granted professional boxers.
Congressman Mullin introduced the legislation in 2016. At that time, the legislation did not make it anywhere. However, Mullin was recently elected as a Senator, and per Nathan Quarry, a former UFC and Mixed Martial Arts Fighters Association member, Mullin plans to reintroduce the bill in 2023.
Ali Expansion Act Reportedly Returning in 2023
If the Ali Expansion Act passes, it will provide MMA pro fighters benefits like professional boxers enjoy, such as:
If this legislation passes, it will change the game for MMA and professional combat fighters who currently fight outside the protections of the Ali Act.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR COMBAT SPORTS PROFESSIONALS?
CTE Claims
Professional combat sports are violent and carry an excessively high risk of traumatic injury. Still, scientists are beginning to understand what kind of violence is the most dangerous and potential hidden risks. The continued application of fist, forearm, elbow, knee, shin, or foot to the skull that takes place in almost every match, as well as the violent jarring action that takes place when there is a takedown, eventually cause chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a severe permanent avoidable brain injury. Moreover, to encourage the participation of skilled combat sports professionals, organizers like Dana White and Scott Coker do little to promote transparency and professional fighter safety. The relationship between White and former president Donald Trump has even come into question when discussing fighter safety.
The tenacious CTE injury attorneys at Action Legal Group stand up to the big guys, whether it is a large corporate trucking company or an MMA conglomerate. We will fight even harder when the traumatic brain injury victim cannot fight for themself due to the severity of the combat sports brain injury. While their lawyers will try to use loopholes to deny you justice for your CTE, we will do what it takes to get you fair compensation for your injuries.
What Are Some Symptoms of Repeated Traumatic Brain Injuries in Combat Sports?
Professional combat sports participants are more likely to face the following ongoing medical issues, sometimes even years later:
These symptoms can lead to:
Possible Defenses For Your CTE
Filing a compelling case for negligence should be enough, but it is often just the start of a successful CTE court case. The Action Legal Group attorneys are prepared to handle some common defenses presented in a brain injury or other personal injury claim. In combat sports head trauma cases, the assumption of the risk defense often comes into play. Participants in combat sports voluntarily assume some risks, such as knee, elbow, and ankle injuries, because waivers explain the potential risk, which is apparent. However, repetitive head trauma is not an obvious risk, unlike a broken bone. This makes the corporate defense likely inapplicable. Despite the known CTE risks, many combat sports organizations refuse to be transparent and protect their participants.
For a free CTE case consultation with an experienced CTE injury lawyer in Tampa or Chicago, contact Action Legal Group at 866-937-0807.