Paralyzed high school player sues helmet maker Riddell
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A Los Angeles attorney has filed suit against football-helmet manufacturer Riddell on behalf of an 18-year-old Pomona athlete who suffered permanent brain damage last season.
Playing defensive tackle for Garey High School in an October game against Montclair High, Edward Acuna took a hit to the front of his helmet in the fourth quarter and quickly lost consciousness. He suffered a left subdural hematoma and was left partially paralyzed.
His attorney, Ilyas Akbari, claims there is a defect with the padding in the front of the helmet.
‘Our information is that Riddell Sports has known about this particular defect in their helmets for at least a decade,’ Akbari said. ‘It is a parent’s worst nightmare to see their child suffer a catastrophic injury while playing the sport they love, especially when that injury could have been avoided by a known and simple fix.’
Riddell officials were not immediately available for comment.
The lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages.
-- David Wharton