Video Game Addiction: A Manufactured Health Crisis
Video game addiction, officially recognized as “Gaming Disorder” by the World Health Organization in 2019, is characterized by impaired control over gaming, prioritizing gaming over other activities, and continuing despite negative consequences.
Today’s video games incorporate sophisticated psychological techniques refined through behavioral research. Features like unpredictable rewards, social obligations, and endless progression systems trigger dopamine pathways, creating powerful addiction cycles. A 2020 study in Addictive Behaviors found that adolescents who regularly engage with games featuring loot boxes show patterns remarkably similar to gambling addiction.
Young people with developing brains are especially vulnerable. Research published in Clinical Psychological Science demonstrates that adolescents have less developed impulse control and heightened reward sensitivity.
Industry documents uncovered through litigation reveal that some gaming companies conducted extensive research on maximizing “engagement metrics” while deliberately concealing addiction risks from parents and regulators.
Health Risks
Video game addiction leads to serious physical, psychological, and developmental consequences. Medical research has documented numerous harmful effects that can permanently impact a child’s development and future prospects.
Clinical studies link gaming addiction to depression, anxiety, and impulse control disorders requiring professional treatment.
North Carolina educators report gaming-addicted students experiencing concentration problems, academic decline, and chronic absenteeism.
Healthcare providers treat gaming-related conditions including obesity, carpal tunnel syndrome, and digital eye strain in increasingly younger patients.
Gaming addiction typically damages family relationships and peer connections as children withdraw from real-world social interactions.
Severe cases involve violent outbursts, deceptive behaviors for gaming access, and sometimes self-destructive actions when gaming is restricted.
These conditions frequently require extensive professional intervention, including therapy, medication, and sometimes residential treatment programs. The financial and emotional burden on North Carolina families has been substantial, particularly since many insurance providers offer limited coverage for gaming addiction treatment.
Legal Basis for Video Gaming Addiction Claim
Multiple legal theories support holding video game companies accountable for the harm caused to children. Our North Carolina video game addiction attorneys are pursuing several legal avenues to secure justice for affected families:
Video games deliberately designed with addictive features that cause foreseeable psychological harm can constitute defective products under the law.
Companies withheld critical information about addiction risks despite internal research showing harm from features targeting vulnerable children.
Federal regulations prohibit companies from hiding material product risks while promoting their products as safe entertainment.
Courts have established enhanced duties of care when companies design potentially harmful products specifically marketed to children.
These legal frameworks provide solid grounds for North Carolina families to seek compensation for harm caused by video game addiction. Brent Adams & Associates is at the forefront of this emerging litigation, fighting to hold gaming companies accountable for their predatory practices targeting vulnerable children.
Do You Qualify for a Video Game Addiction Lawsuit?
Not every child who plays video games will qualify for legal action. These lawsuits focus on individuals who have suffered substantial harm from addictive gaming products. Consider these qualification factors:
Key Qualification Requirements:
- Diagnosed with Gaming Disorder or received specific treatment for video game addiction
- Regularly spends 4+ hours daily playing video games with increasing usage patterns
- Documented harm including depression, anxiety, academic failure, or physical health issues connected to gaming
- Required professional intervention including therapy, medication, or hospitalization
- Used gaming platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, PC, or mobile devices
- Played games with known addictive elements like Fortnite, Roblox, Minecraft, or games featuring loot boxes and microtransactions
Our North Carolina video game addiction lawyers can evaluate your specific circumstances to determine if you qualify to join this litigation. The assessment is completely confidential with no obligation to proceed.
Steps for Video Gaming Addiction Victims
If your child has suffered from video game addiction, you can take specific steps to pursue justice. The litigation against gaming companies provides a path to compensation and corporate accountability.
Document gaming platforms, hours played, and behavior changes. Account histories showing playtime provide compelling evidence.
Obtain records of all diagnoses, treatments, and therapy related to gaming addiction from healthcare providers.
Calculate all costs including therapy, medication, academic support, and family counseling related to the addiction.
Complete our quick assessment to determine if your situation qualifies for the video game addiction litigation.
Taking legal action serves dual purposes: seeking compensation for your family’s suffering and holding gaming companies accountable for predatory practices that harm children. North Carolina law imposes strict time limits on filing claims, so prompt evaluation of your case is essential.
Get Your Free Case Review
Gaming companies designed addictive products targeting children while hiding the risks. If your child suffered harm from video game addiction, you deserve answers and compensation.
The North Carolina video game addiction attorneys at Brent Adams & Associates are dedicated to fighting for families harmed by predatory gaming practices. Our experienced team understands these challenging cases.
Legal deadlines apply—check your eligibility now through our quick, confidential evaluation form.