When a high school football player required emergency treatment in 2007 following a football practice, his parents thought they covered all of the bases in insuring their son's coach set up preventative measures that would avert a repeat. However, as reported by the Herald Sun, the boy did die a year later, following another scrimmage.
A.F., died at age 17. He was discovered by his parents, M.F. and D.F., as they had come home from work on August 12, 2008.
M.F. and D.F. have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHHS) and their son's head coach, I.M.
In the 2007 incident, where A.F. had cramped to the point of collapse following a scrimmage, he had required emergency medical care and a transfusion of fluids. The result of the episode was brought to coach I.M.'s attention by A.F.'s parents. They asked that the coach insure the safety of their son by taking more preventative measures.
Coach I.M. was to provide A.F. with medical attention – whenever he saw signs of A.F. cramping – while D.F. allegedly volunteered to pay for Gatorade and water at practices. In all, D.F. contends that from 2007 forward, he made it very clear to the coach that his son was to be given access to fluids as needed.
The suit states, "In response, Defendant (I.M.) stated that it was not necessary for (D.F.) to provide water and Gatorade for practices for (A.F.) or the team because Chapel Hill High School provided these fluids at all times and (A.F.) would have access to water and Gatorade any time he wanted at all future practices."
On the day of his death, A.F. attended an unscheduled scrimmage for the football team arranged by coach I.M. The practice was held at Middle Creek High School in Apex. I.M. had the players meet at 6:30 in the morning at CHHS and the take a bus over to Apex.
The suit states that no fluids were given to the players on the bus to allow them to hydrate prior to the scrimmage.
Once at Middle Creek fluids were available – to the other team on the other side of the field.
The temperature that day reached up to 80 degrees, according to the suit, and the players wore their full football gear. The suit states, "Rather than suspend practice under these conditions, Defendant (I.M.) instead continued to make his players scrimmage in the August sun without reasonable access to fluids."
A.F., in playing both offensive guard and defensive tackle during the scrimmage, was soon seen cramping up and allegedly complained of a headache. Both were symptoms that I.M. had seen before. A.F.'s parents believe that their son went to the sidelines and laid down. I.M. was not seen aiding A.F., however, A.F.'s teammates tried to bring him water but there were no cups to carry the water in.
Once on the bus and headed back to CHHS A.F. "was experiencing full body cramps which forced him to stand because of the pain and cramping" but I.M. failed to provide him with medical attention.
A.F. drove himself home. From there he called 911, a paramedic arrived, examined him, and advised that he continue consuming fluids. The paramedic did not follow policy – he failed to contact A.F.'s parents and left him home alone.
Earlier suits, against the Orange County EMS and the paramedic, were later dismissed by M.F. and D.F.
Whether a warning was made, or a unique episode arose, if someone's negligence has contributed to the death of your loved one, you have grounds for a lawsuit. Contact a personal injury lawyer to day for help!