A $20 million lawsuit has been filed against North Clackamas School District by a former Milwaukie High School cheerleader who claims she suffered brain damage when she fell in a cheer stunt and hit her head on a floor mat.
Alexis Lisle, now 16 years old, was held at shoulder height by four teammates when she fell backwards and hit a mat. The lawsuit claims that no one attempted to break her fall and that first aid was not promptly administered. The fall occurred in February of 2015.
The lawsuit claims that the school district failed to adequately train cheer team members on safety regulations, failed to appoint a properly trained coach and failed to assign spotters who might have been able to catch Lisle.
Plaintiff suffered permanent injuries
The plaintiff claims that she suffered a concussion from the fall, permanent brain injury and injuries to her neck, back, collarbone and head. Since the accident, Lisle says she was not able to continue high school courses due to trouble with her eyes focusing and headaches from the lights in the school.
The lawsuit seeks at least $10 million for medical expenses, lost earnings and special education needs as well as $10 million for her pain and suffering.
Concussions in sports
Concussions are the most frequent kind of sports-related brain injury and affect an estimated 1.6 million to 3.8 million individuals each year. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, which occurs when the brain is shaken enough so that it bounces against the skull. A concussion can disrupt the brain’s normal functioning. Concussions and minor head injuries from cheerleading, football and other sports can lead to serious brain disorders.
Some signs of a traumatic brain injury include confusion, nausea, dizziness, light sensitivity, and difficulty concentrating, among other symptoms. Prompt medical attention in moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can help prevent long-term disability. Individuals with moderate to severe brain injuries may require physical therapy, speech therapy, counseling and medication.
