Former UC Berkeley cheerleader files a lawsuit calling for better safety measures for cheerleaders

This content was originally authored by Warren Situ in our 10/10/19 Concussion Update Newsletter

Melissa Martin, a former cheerleader at the University of California at Berkeley, has filed a lawsuit against the school, her coaches, and USA Cheer, for negligent treatment after suffering a concussion. East Bay Times reports that Martin was kicked in the head during practice in October of 2017, and despite suffering from concussion-like symptoms, she was still expected to participate in sporting events with the team.

After a leave of absence in September 2018, Martin has now returned to school to complete her last semester. But after her initial injury and the re-injuries that occurred in the months that followed, Martin was left with lasting symptoms, including nausea and confusion, and has been diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. She says she is already behind in classwork due to difficulties concentrating. She hopes that this lawsuit will push the school to enact more effective post-concussion treatment plans for all athletes, including cheerleaders.