Jury Awards Damages of $3.1 Million to Injured High School Football Player in Lawsuit Against Helmet Manufacturer Riddell

A Colorado jury has awarded damages against Riddell, in a case arising out of a brain injury suffered by a high school football player in 2008. The lawsuit, which also included the school and coaches, resulted in a $11.5 million dollar verdict, of which $3.1 million is awarded against the helmet manufacturer. The specific issue has to be of concern to Riddell and the NFL, as the manufacturer was found liable for failure to adequately warn of the potential risks.

Riddell is also one of the defendants in the lawsuits filed by former NFL players, and is the official helmet provider for the NFL. The league and Riddell’s failure to adequately warn of risks based on superior information is an issue in that litigation.

[photo via USA Today Sports Images]