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West Virginia Doctors: NFL Player Chris Henry Had Brain Damage

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.

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About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a VA injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have experience handling cases brought by victims of traumatic brain injury and closed head injuries. In fact, in 2000, our firm helped a plaintiff receive what was then the largest verdict ever in a Virginia brain injury case. We also have a blog in which we discuss only topics related to brain injuries and head wounds. 

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been named to the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009 and listed among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008.Shapiro and Lewis have been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law since 2008. Fewer than 5 percent of lawyers receive this professional honor. In addition, our firm was the first in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms. Our VA injury law 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.

We have offices in Virginia Beach and Hampton, VA, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia, including Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Suffolk and Newport News if you or a family member has been seriously hurt by someone else's carelessness. While not every case meets our criteria, we offer free initial confidential consultations. Call us toll-free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail so we can get back to you.