School sued over injury after football concussion
MEDFORD, Ore. – A lawsuit says a junior varsity football player in Medford was sent back into a game after suffering a concussion and has permanent brain damage.
The suit says Nicholas Harris was a sophomore in October 2009 when he was injured in a game between his North Medford team and crosstown rival South Medford.
The lawsuit filed by his mother and served on the district Oct. 17 seeks $585,000, the Medford Mail Tribune (http://bit.ly/t4MIka) reported. School officials didn’t return phone calls for comment.
Harris, who played wide receiver and strong safety, was struck in the first quarter and again in the second, the lawsuit said. He told coaches he had a concussion but was told to “just try and stick it out,” according to court documents.
Shortly after Harris re-entered the game, the suit says, he was struck a third time, returned to the sidelines, suffered a seizure, vomited, collapsed and passed out.
“Nicholas was in a full-blown seizure,” said his mother, Theresa Pinder, who was called from the stands. “He’s fortunate to be with us.”
At the hospital, doctors induced a coma, she said.
The lawsuit says Harris, now 17, has suffered brain damage, multiple concussions, prolonged seizures, cognitive changes, sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, abnormal balance, vertigo, headaches and mood changes.
“Injuries are permanent and severe and will have lifelong impact on the quality of Mr. Harris’ life,” the complaint says.
Harris left North Medford High School because it was too difficult for him to watch football, his mother said, adding that he remains frustrated and angry that he can’t play the sport he loves.
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Information from: Mail Tribune, http://www.mailtribune.com/