The trainer tending to a 19-year-old football player at the University of Central Florida said that he followed proper procedures after a workout caused a complication in a genetic disorder.
After an off-season workout in 2008, Ereck Plancher, a freshman wide receiver, indicated he was suffering from exhaustion and dehydration. Robert Jackson, the only trainer at the workout that day, claims that he followed proper guidelines set by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association to prevent Plancher’s wrongful death.
Our wrongful death lawyers warn athletes that overexerting yourself at workouts can be dangerous. When temperatures are high, the threat of injury or wrongful death increases because the body becomes dehydrated quicker which can cause you to pass out.
Sickle-cell disease causes red blood cells to form abnormally causing complications like respiratory distress or cause a stroke or other heart problems.
Young players are anxious to try to prove themselves or earn spots on the roster so they get the chance to play. Sometimes, they aren’t aware of how hard they are pushing themselves, and that is when dangers happen.
What made Plancher’s wrongful death more possible is the existence of a previous condition. Like 1 in 5000, Plancher had a genetic disorder called sickle-cell disease. A person with sickle-cell has odd shaped red blood cells which can cause problems in circulation.
An autopsy performed discovered the stress of the workout caused a complication in Plancher’s sickle-cell disease, which caused his body to shut down. National athletic trainers’ guidelines say athletes with sickle-cell can play sports, but they must be watched closely and workout intensity should gradually increase.
At the time of the incident, Coach George O’Leary told one of his assistant coaches to get the head athletic trainer (who wasn’t at the workout). The trainer instructed O’Leary to get the Automated External Defibrillator, but Plancher’s condition got worse before and during the ride to the hospital where he died.
A wrongful death lawsuit was filed by Plancher’s parents against the University of Central Florida board of trustees and the UCF Athletics Association. The lawsuit claims the school didn’t follow its own guidelines for treating athletes with sickle-cell.
Athletes should always be careful about their own health rather than rely on someone else. Our wrongful death lawyers realize that athletic trainers are there for a reason, but if you are working out at the gym or on a football field, don’t push yourself too hard. If you begin to feel faint or dizzy, take a 15-30 minute break to get water and catch your breath. Taking that little breather can prevent you from taking your last breath.
Just like when you are choosing the best medical treatment for your health, do your homework on a exercises and stretches that might do more damage than good before you attempt to try them.
Call us now at 1-800-655-6585 or click here for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney and find out how we can help you. We speak English and Spanish, and we look forward to providing advice for your case. No fee if no recovery.
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Tags: dehydration, exhaustion, sickle-cell
