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After his tragic death in a car accident last winter, West Virginia doctors have examined the brain of pro football player Chris Henry – and found evidence of head trauma that may be of serious concern to other professional athletes and football players.
In December of 2009, Henry and his girlfriend got into an argument and the former Bangals player jumped into the bed of her truck as she drove away. As the argument continued, Henry fell from the truck and died of his car accident injuries.
Months later, scientists and doctors at the Brain Injury Research Center at West Virginia University have concluded a study of the athlete’s brain. To their surprise, Henry, who was just 26 years old at the time of his death, show clear signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), probably caused by his years of playing football and receiving tackles. The results were especially surprising considering Henry’s age and the fact that he was not a lineman known for taking a large number of hard hits during the game.
In recent years, the NFL has taken steps to research traumatic brain injuries in their players and to educate team leaders and physicians on how player head injuries should be managed and treated. However, many say that they are not doing enough to protect today’s players – who are still getting bigger and stronger with each passing season. Especially since players are apt to hide injuries and play down head trauma to keep playing and keep making money, the NFL still needs to increase its education and awareness plan.
Read More About West Virginia Doctors: NFL Player Chris Henry Had Brain Damage...
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have experience handling traumatic brain injury and closed head injuries. In fact, our firm received, what was then, the largest verdict in Virginia history in a brain injury case. We also have a blog focused exclusively on topics related to brain injuries and head wounds.
Our firm is based in Virginia Beach, though but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia if you've been seriously hurt by someone else's carelessness. While not every injury case meets our criteria, we off a free, initial confidential injury case consultation, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call promptly.
Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition, and along with attorney John Cooper, were named Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (2010 Ed., less than 5% of lawyers are chosen), and selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (2009). In addition, we were the first injury law firm in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical, respected law firms. Our firm has the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization, which means we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.
Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . Furthermore, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a public information service.




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Main VA Office
1294 Diamond Springs Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Phone: (757)-460-7776
Fax: (757)-460-3428
Toll Free: 1-800-752-0042
Hampton-Peninsula Area Office
Mill Point Center
101 Eaton Street
Hampton, Virginia 23669
Phone: (757)-788-8162
North Carolina Office
101 E. Elizabeth Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Toll Free: 1-800-752-0042
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Awarded: $46,000,000, with Interest 60 Million
Awarded: $365,000.00