The Broward Medical Examiner’s Office has scheduled an autopsy for tomorrow in the death of Miramar High School senior offensive linesman Isaiah Laurencin. The 16-year-old, who collapsed during conditioning drill on the football field yesterday afternoon, was pronounced dead at a Hollywood, Florida hospital this morning. Tuesday’s workout took place under the supervision of Miramar coaches, per Florida High School Athletic Association requirements.
According to Broward schools district spokesperson Nadine Drew, Laurencin, who weighs 286 pounds and was 6-foot-3, had indicated from the beginning of practice that he wasn’t feeling well and he didn’t participate in much of the workout. If the coaches or the school could/should have done anything that could have prevented Laurencin’s death, they could be held liable for Miramar, Florida wrongful death. Unfortunately, over the last two decades, there have been numerous athlete deaths in Florida.
In Central Florida three years ago, UCF football player Ereck Plancher, who was suffering from Sickle sell trait, died following an off-season practice session. After finding that the university’s Athletic Association did not do enough to help him (he exhibited symptoms of exhaustion and dizziness during practice and knew he had sick cell trait), the jury awarded his parents $10 million for his Florida wrongful death.
Not only must coaches, trainers, and others on staff supervise practices and games, but they also must look out for the athletes’ well-being. Also, the state of Florida doesn’t allow full-contact practices for high school football players until August 8. This, however, doesn’t mean that as many practices as possible can’t be held before then. There also aren’t any official rules about monitoring temperature or hydration.
Unfortunately, athletes can get seriously hurt on both the amateur, college, and professional levels. Just last week, 75 retired NFL football players have filed a personal injury lawsuit against the National Football League and football helmet manufacturer Riddell for allegedly hiding the concussion risks involving playing the sport. The lawsuit against Riddell alleges products liability.
If you or someone you love was seriously injured and you believe that the incident occurred because another party was negligent, contact our Miramar personal injury lawyers to ask for your free consultation.
Miramar football player dies after workout, Miami Herald, July 27, 2011
Teen athlete deaths in South Florida, Sun-Sentinel, July 27, 2011
Former NFL players: League concealed concussion risks, CNN, July 20, 2011
Related Web Resources:
Florida High School Athletic Association
Miramar High School, Broward Schools
More Blog Posts:
$10M Florida Wrongful Death Verdict Awarded to Parents of Ereck Plancher Against UCF, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, July 12, 2011
Family of Deceased UCF Football Player Can Seek Punitive Damages in their Florida Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against the University, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, March 31, 2011