Personal Injury Law

Former Football Star Files Personal Injury Lawsuit Against USC

By guest-writer

A frightening weightlifting mishap that derailed a football player’s promising career has led to a personal injury lawsuit against the University of Southern California and an assistant conditioning coach.

According to Sports Illustrated, the injury occurred in September of 2009 when Stafon Johnson, a former running back for the USC football team, was bench pressing 275 pounds at a USC facility. At some point during the lift, the weight bar slipped and fell on his neck.

The impact crushed Johnson’s larynx and throat, which were repaired through extensive reconstructive surgery. Johnson eventually recovered, and played for the Tennessee Titans for a preseason game in 2010 before being sidelined by another injury.

The personal injury lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that Jamie Yanchar, the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the USC football team at the time, negligently failed to assist Johnson during the bench press.

When bench pressing, the athlete typically has a spotter whose task is to help lift the weight if it proves too heavy. In this case, the lawsuit alleges that Yanchar was “distracted and not paying attention to Mr. Johnson at the time that the bar was being lifted from the weight rack.”

The lawsuit further alleges that Yanchar was inattentive when he helped Mr. Johnson lift the weight bar, and then accidentally hit the bar with his body before Mr. Johnson had a proper grip on the bar.

Johnson, who was lifting 275 pounds for the first time, claims that he suffered permanent injuries and the loss of future earnings.

In an official statement, USC expressed regret that Johnson had suffered the injury, but maintained that the university, which was also named in the complaint, was not at fault. Yanchar, who now works for the Seattle Seahawks, could not be reached for comment by Sports Illustrated.

Weight lifting can be a precarious activity, and requires a high degree of concentration and care. Injuries in the weight room can happen to athletes at any level.

To avoid injuries while exercising, make sure you lift with a partner who can help support your weights. In addition, check all the equipment you use for signs of wear and tear.

If you have been injured while exercising, and your injury was caused by faulty equipment or poor supervision, you may be able to file a negligence lawsuit and recover legal relief.

Negligence claims typically occur when an actor behaves in a way that falls below a standard of reasonable care. Negligence is governed by tort laws, which vary widely by state.

If you have suffered an injury due to someone’s negligent actions, don’t hesitate to contact a local injury lawyer to learn more about your legal rights and options.

Full post as published by The Injury Blog on February 08, 2011 (boomark / email).