Football is a dangerous sport. Players wear a significant amount of padding and specially designed helmets in an effort to protect themselves from serious injury. In Ohio and elsewhere, it remains a very popular sport with young men beginning at a very young age. Even with the protection, injuries can still occur. One such injury, that may have contributed to the death of a 22-year-old man, has resulted in a products liability case involving a potentially defective product.
The young man had played football from the age of 8 and played through high school. He played his last game at the age of 18. The man’s family were not unaware of the dangers of their son playing football but had spoken with members of the medical community and felt that the safety equipment used provided sufficient protection.
When the man was fishing with his father a few years after he had stopped playing, he experienced a seizure, fell overboard and drowned. An autopsy revealed that he suffered from CTE, a brain condition experienced by many football players that is believed to be the result of multiple concussive head traumas. The helmet in question was reportedly designed to protect against such injuries and is widely used among youth and professional football organizations. As a result of the man’s death, the family is bringing a products liability lawsuit against the helmet manufacturer.
Youth sports are widely believed to be beneficial in helping to build character, to teach one about teamwork and to pursue a healthy lifestyle. If a person in Ohio believes he or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of a potentially defective product, one may wish to consult with a personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can review the facts of the case and advise the client as to whether a civil lawsuit is a viable option.