Texas Video Game Addiction Lawyers
Fighting for Those Affected by Video Game Addiction
Video game addiction has emerged as a growing public health issue, raising serious concerns about the psychological, physical, and financial harm it can inflict on individuals—particularly children and teenagers. This issue is magnified by the deliberate strategies some game developers employ to make their products excessively engaging, exploiting players’ natural psychological tendencies.
At Hilliard Law, we believe companies should be held accountable when their actions cause harm. Our firm represents individuals who suffered due to gaming addiction, particularly those who were exposed to these games as minors and experienced significant harm as a result. These cases often focus on the intentional design choices—such as loot boxes, microtransactions, and reward systems—that keep players engaged, sometimes at significant personal and financial costs.
If you or someone you love has been affected by video game addiction, we want to help. With a national reach and a dedication to fighting corporate negligence, we are evaluating cases related to video game addiction.
Call us at (866) 927-3420 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Let us stand with you in seeking justice.
What Is Video Game Addiction?
Video game addiction is more than excessive screen time—it’s a behavioral disorder recognized by leading medical authorities. The World Health Organization officially included "gaming disorder" in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), highlighting its potential to cause significant impairment in key areas of life, such as personal relationships, academic performance, and professional responsibilities.
Gaming disorder is marked by:
- An inability to control the urge to play
- Prioritizing gaming over other critical activities
- Continuing the behavior despite its harmful consequences
Developers often employ psychological strategies that intensify this addiction. Games are meticulously crafted with reward systems designed to stimulate dopamine release, fostering feelings of accomplishment and pleasure. Features like loot boxes and microtransactions encourage compulsive behaviors, enticing players to engage more frequently and spend money. These mechanisms make video games not just entertainment but an environment that can foster dependency and harmful habits.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS real questions. Real answers.
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First Actions to Take Post-Accident
After an accident, the first step is to seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. It is also essential to report the incident to the appropriate authorities and gather as much evidence as possible. This includes taking photos, obtaining witness statements, and preserving any physical evidence related to the accident.
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Importance of Timely Response
Timeliness is crucial when it comes to personal injury claims. The longer you wait to take action, the more difficult it may be to gather evidence and build a strong case. Additionally, there are strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit under the statute of limitations. By acting promptly, you can protect your rights and improve the chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
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Investigating Your Personal Injury Claim
The investigation process is a critical part of any personal injury claim. Thoroughly gathering evidence, identifying liable parties, and assessing the extent of your injuries are crucial in building a strong case for compensation.
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The Investigation Process
During the investigation process, your attorney will work diligently to collect evidence related to your accident. This may include reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, consulting with professionals, and gathering medical records. The goal is to gather all the necessary information to present a compelling case on your behalf.
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How Investigation Influences Your Claim
The strength of your case depends on the quality of the investigation conducted. A thorough investigation increases your chances of securing fair compensation by providing substantial evidence to support your claim. By uncovering crucial details and establishing liability, your attorney can negotiate from a position of strength and hold the responsible parties accountable.
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Negotiating with Insurance Companies: a Lawyer’s Experience
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, especially when they attempt to minimize the value of your claim. However, a skilled personal injury lawyer can level the playing field and advocate for your rights during the negotiation process.
Real Results ReaL Justice
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Record-Setting$575Wrongful Death
Million Settlement*Hilliard Law attorneys represented numerous injury victims and the families of those killed in accidents caused by GM’s defective ignition switch and their concealment of safety defects.
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$50Wrongful Death
Million SettlementIn September 2021, Hilliard Law attorneys secured a $50 Million settlement for the family of a man who died in a commercial trucking accident.
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$33Traumatic Brain Injury
Million VerdictThe Hilliard Law trial team won a $33M product liability case against a golf-car company, involving a golf cart that tipped over on a child causing a severe traumatic brain injury.
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$30ATV Accident
Million VerdictA jury determined that the defective design and marketing of an All Terrain Vehicle were the proximate cause of the decedent's injuries in a fatal ATV accident.
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$25Negligent Security
Million VerdictIn May 2013, Mr. Hilliard was the lead trial attorney who obtained a $25 million jury verdict in a premises liability case in Nueces County, Texas. His client, a security guard for a downtown Corpus Christi building, was severely beaten while at work.
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$21.5Distracted Driving Accident
Million VerdictMr. Hilliard was the lead trial attorney in a case involving a woman who was injured in a two-vehicle accident. The driver of the second car, an employee of Coca-Cola, was talking on her cell phone at the time of the accident.
What Harm Can Result from Video Game Addiction?
Video game addiction can lead to serious harm, affecting nearly every aspect of a person’s life—mentally, physically, and financially. These consequences are particularly concerning for young individuals, who may be especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of compulsive gaming behavior.
Psychological Harm
The mental toll of video game addiction can be profound.
Excessive gaming has been linked to conditions such as:
- ADHD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Heightened irritability
Over time, compulsive gaming may impair memory, lower cognitive abilities, and erode social skills, leaving individuals struggling to form or maintain meaningful relationships. These psychological challenges can have a ripple effect, straining family dynamics, academic performance, and personal well-being.
Physical Harm
The sedentary nature of video gaming often leads to insufficient physical activity, contributing to health issues such as weight gain, poor cardiovascular health, and musculoskeletal discomfort from prolonged sitting or repetitive movements. Coupled with poor dietary habits, sleep deprivation, and other lifestyle disruptions, the physical consequences can become debilitating.
Financial Harm
Financial difficulties are another common consequence, mainly due to the growing prevalence of microtransactions, loot boxes, and other in-game purchases. Many individuals develop compulsive spending habits, funneling significant sums of money into games in pursuit of rewards or progress.
Additionally, excessive gaming can lead to job loss or reduced income as work and other responsibilities are neglected.
Research Supporting Video Game Addiction Claims
A growing body of research underscores the reality of video game addiction and its harmful consequences for a significant minority of players. These studies validate concerns about compulsive gaming and provide insight into effective treatment strategies and the importance of recognizing this issue as a legitimate behavioral disorder.
Key Findings on Gaming Addiction
A landmark six-year study by Brigham Young University revealed that while most gamers enjoy video games without adverse effects, a notable percentage experience severe consequences. For these individuals, gaming becomes more than a pastime—it evolves into an uncontrollable habit that negatively impacts their mental, social, and behavioral health.
Similarly, research from Newport Academy sheds light on the vulnerability of teenagers to video game addiction. For many adolescents, gaming becomes an unhealthy coping mechanism for dealing with mental health struggles like anxiety and depression. This reliance on gaming often exacerbates underlying issues, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without intervention.
The Role of Diagnosis and Treatment
Classifying video game addiction as a disorder, as recognized by the World Health Organization, is a pivotal step toward addressing its impact. This classification enables mental health professionals to diagnose the condition more effectively and implement targeted therapies. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy can help individuals regain control and rebuild their lives.
Legal Basis for Video Game Addiction Lawsuits
The rise of video game addiction has drawn scrutiny to the role of game developers in creating excessively engaging and often addictive experiences. Lawsuits targeting these companies aim to hold them accountable for practices that exploit psychological vulnerabilities, particularly in young and impressionable players.
Exploitation of Psychological Vulnerabilities
Some game developers intentionally design their products to keep players hooked. By leveraging psychological principles such as reward systems, loot boxes, and time-based challenges, developers create gameplay loops that trigger a dopamine response, fostering compulsive behavior. This practice of using manipulative design is particularly concerning when these tactics target minors, whose developing brains are especially susceptible to such manipulative design.
Negligence and Deceptive Trade Practices
The legal basis for these lawsuits often rests on claims of negligence and deceptive trade practices. By knowingly incorporating addictive elements into their games, developers may be failing in their duty of care to players. Furthermore, marketing these games to children without sufficient safeguards can be viewed as a deceptive practice that prioritizes profits over the well-being of consumers.
Driving Accountability and Industry Change
Gaming addiction lawsuits serve as a means for affected individuals to seek justice and as a broader call for accountability within the gaming industry. Legal actions highlight the need for ethical design practices and transparent marketing that prioritizes the health and safety of players over corporate profits. By addressing these concerns in court, plaintiffs can push for just compensation and meaningful change and raise awareness about the dangers of video game addiction.
It’s our mission to hold the powerful accountable for their wrongdoing. Reach out to our team immediately regarding your case to schedule a free attorney consultation today.
