--- description: To prevent heat-related illness, responsible adults must take precautions. Take precautions seriously with our guide on preventing heatstroke title: Heat-Related Illness | Chaikin and Sherman --- Heat-Related Illness | Chaikin and Sherman # Heat-Related Illness Last Updated: November 20, 2025 Reading Time: 4 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 8 months ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Recent Posts](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/) » Heat-Related Illness What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $6 Million Brain Injury $2.4 Million Brain Injury $2 Million Brain Injury $2 Million Brain Injury $ 1.8 Millon Brain Injury [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) I would never worry again if they are on the case. 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"*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Three of the firm’s partners — including the co-founders of the Brain Injury Association of Metropolitan Washington, DC — discuss TBI litigation, the firm’s preferred attorney status with the Brain Injury Association of America, and the DC Athletic Concussion Protection Act, which attorney Joseph Cammarata drafted into law. Video Transcript **Ira Sherman (00:01):** Your brain is like the yolk in an egg, so when you shake the egg, you don’t have to crack it. You just go like that, and the yolk is affected. I was on the board of Directors of the Brain Injury Association of America. I was treasurer of the Brain Injury Association of America. Mr. Camara and I started the DC chapter, the Affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America, which didn’t exist. We are the preferred lawyers of the Brain Injury Association in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. And what I mean by that is, is that the Brain Injury Association of America designates individual attorneys that they recognize as being experienced in handling cases involving traumatic brain injury to determine if they have a case and make sure that it’s handled properly. **Allan Siegel (00:54):** You get hurt in sports and you get sent right back into the game, or you knocked your head and you get back up and you go about your day. Nobody really thought much about those injuries a long time ago, but we did. We understood the seriousness of those types of injuries and how sometimes you could have serious ongoing effects from what is even a mild traumatic brain injury or what is often referred to as a concussion. **Joseph Cammarata (01:21):** I co-founded the Brain Injury Association of Washington, DC. I drafted legislation which became law in the District of Columbia to protect youth athletes from concussion. Concussion is a brain injury, a traumatic brain injury that can cause significant harm, cognitive deficits, emotional disturbances, vision problems, hearing problems. And so it’s important to be able to do the investigation, but do the legwork that’s necessary to put together the case to establish that there has been harm, but it’s invisible, right? You can’t see it, but the impact is real. And so it’s our job to bring to life the impact and show that this is real as a result of some trauma. # Take Prevention Seriously Everyone who spends time outdoors being physically active needs to be mindful of preventing heat-related illnesses. [The National Safety Council](https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/heat) reported 884 deaths and 2,061 injuries in the U.S. in 2019 from exposure to excessive heat. In addition, the Center for Disease Control or [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/athletes.html) says that heat is the leading cause of death for U.S. high school athletes. On May 29, 2018, Jordan McNair, a 19-year-old from Randallstown, Maryland, and a sophomore on the University of Maryland football team, collapsed during an outdoor workout with his team. Jordan died two weeks later, on June 13, 2018. This tragedy and other verbal and mental abuse reports led to two external investigations into Maryland’s football program. The findings concluded that members of Maryland’s athletic training staff failed to diagnose and adequately treat McNair’s heatstroke symptoms quickly. Rod Walters, a sports medicine consultant, investigated whether athletic trainers followed proper protocol during their treatment of McNair. In the report, Walters said, *“There was a failure to identify escalating symptoms associated with exertional heat illness, including assessing vital signs, identifying the condition and aggressively treating the patient’s elevated core temperature. No apparatus was used for prompt cooling of the patient.”* The findings resulted in the firing of the head coach. In addition, the University of Maryland agreed to a $3.5 million settlement with Jordan McNair’s family. Coaches and employers need to be proactive and take steps to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke with their athletes and employees. There are governing bodies and responsible organizations that have a legal duty to ensure the safety of their athletes. When an illness or injury occurs due to someone’s negligence or failure to uphold their obligations, the victims have a right to pursue a financial recovery by filing a personal injury claim. Korey Stringer was a pro-bowl offensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings. He played six seasons and died during training camp in August 2001 from exertional heatstroke. The [Korey Stringer Institute](https://ksi.uconn.edu/) (KSI), founded in 2010, focuses on preventing sudden death in athletes. One recommendation from the KSI website is for athletic trainers and coaches to use Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). WBGT helps determine the severity of weather conditions and what impact the temperature will have on an athlete. This short video, [*KSI’s Guide to WBGT for Exercise in the Heat*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BDkFoDhlN4), explains what WBGT is and how to use it. The following content discusses heat-related illness signs and symptoms and treatment from the [National Safety Council](https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/heat) and [Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20353581) websites. # Heatstroke Heatstroke is a severe condition that happens when your body overheats, usually due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or prolonged exertion in high temperatures. Heatstroke occurs most often in the summer months; however, it can happen anytime. To prevent heat-related illness, responsible adults must take precautions. These are a few tips to follow: - Avoid being outside between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Apply sunscreen (sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool itself) - Drink plenty of fluids, even when you do not feel thirsty - Replace salt lost through sweat with sports drinks - Cover-up—wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat - Exercise indoors in air conditioning if conditions are unfavorable - Pace yourself so you do not overwork - Avoid alcohol # Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke Coaches and employers should monitor their athletes and workers for signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. ## Heat Exhaustion Signs & Symptoms - Pale or ashen skin - Moist skin - Muscle cramps - Rapid heart rate - Fatigue, weakness, or exhaustion - Nausea or vomiting ## Heat Exhaustion Treatment Heat exhaustion can advance to heat stroke if left untreated. If someone is demonstrating signs of heat exhaustion, take quick action to prevent the situation from going from bad to deadly. Treat victims by: - Move person to a shaded or air-conditioned area - Give them water or other cool liquids - Apply wet towels or have the individual take a cool shower ## Heatstroke Signs & Symptoms - Body temperature greater than 103 degrees - Skin is hot - Skin flushed and dry  - No longer sweating - Rapid breathing - Headache or dizziness - Confusion or altered mental status - Irrational or belligerent behavior - Convulsions or unresponsiveness ## Take Quick Action When Heatstroke Is Suspected Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Untreated heatstroke results in damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. The longer it takes to start treatment, the greater the risk of serious complications or death. - **Call 911 i**mmediately. - Move the victim to a shady or cool place. - Remove unnecessary clothing. - Immediately cool the individual. If possible, get assistance and immerse the victim up to the neck in cold water. - If you cannot immerse the individual in cold water, place the individual in a cold shower, or move them to a cool area and cover their body with cold, wet towels. - Continue to cool the person until their body temperature gets to 101 degrees. - Monitor the individual’s breathing and be ready to give CPR if needed.  # Have You or a Family Member Experienced a Heat-Related Illness Due to Someone Else’s Negligence? ## Contact Us Today to Schedule a Free Consultation Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has more than 90 years of combined experience handling [sports injury](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/personal-injury/sports-injuries/) cases in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. If you, your child, or a loved one has suffered a heat-related illness that you believe was caused by someone else’s negligence, [contact us](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) online or call (202) 695 7447. We offer [**free **case evaluations](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) so you can learn more about your rights and how our team can help. Our highly accomplished personal injury lawyers have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) ## Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The brain injury attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. — including Senior Partner Joseph Cammarata, who co-founded the Brain Injury Association of D.C. and authored the District of Columbia Athletic Concussion Protection Act of 2011 — represent clients across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia in [concussion claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/concussions/), [blunt force trauma cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/blunt-force-trauma/), and matters involving the [causes of traumatic brain injury](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/causes/), with experience guiding families through [TBI treatment decisions](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/treatment-for-traumatic-brain-injury/) and long-term recovery. Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. Stephen Ollar's Bio ## Related Articles Read More Blog Articles Blunt Force Trauma to the Head Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Brain Injuries Concussions Brain Injury Causes Washington DC Brain Injury Lawyer Why Pedestrian Deaths Keep Rising — And What the Latest Data Reveals Walking along major roads in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region often means navigating Read More » 11/19/2025 [](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2025/07/partner-allan-m-siegel-elected-treasurer-of-aaj-brain-injury-litigation-group-and-secretary-of-aaj-trucking-litigation-group/) Brain Injury Partner Allan M. 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