LOS ANGELES – Hagens Berman, a national plaintiff-rights law firm, today issued a statement following the death of Donnovan Hill, a former Pop Warner football player who filed a lawsuit with his mother Crystal Dixon, claiming the league insisted Hill use improper and dangerous tackling techniques which left the then 13-year-old paralyzed from the neck down.

Rob Carey, Hagens Berman partner who led the firm’s case, said the following: “Donnovan was a strong and courageous young man, and it is with great regret and heavy hearts that we share this news. We hope that his memory will stand as a testament to the importance of safety in youth sports.”

Hill was injured on Nov. 6, 2011, during a championship game in Laguna Hills, Calif. The lawsuit claims that Hill tackled the other team’s ball carrier with his head down during the third quarter while on defense – an incorrect and dangerous method not only banned by Pop Warner but also prohibited at all levels of football. Hagens Berman reached a settlement on behalf of Donnovan and his mother on Jan. 13, 2016, terms of which were not released.

“The issue couldn’t be more simple – authorities and coaches have a responsibility to players,” Carey added. “The authorities of youth sports leagues must be vigilant in their training of coaches, because keeping the game safe is what’s most important. Sadly, we’ve seen what happens when these entities fail to uphold that responsibility.”

According to attorneys, Donnovan’s case will set an important legal precedent that will be advantageous to many players.

“Donnovan’s case will have an impact on young athletes for generations,” Carey said. “It will help ensure that those in charge of safety – from directors and coaches to whole organizations – will not be allowed to shirk their duties or avoid responsibility.”

The complaint, filed on March 6, 2014, in the Superior Court of California, states that Hill and other teammates repeatedly cited physical discomfort and raised safety concerns with the head coach about the improper tackling technique, but were rebuffed, and coaching to lead with the head continued unabated.

Read more about Hagens Berman’s case against Pop Warner.

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About Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP is a consumer-rights class-action law firm with offices in 10 cities. The firm has been named to the National Law Journal’s Plaintiffs’ Hot List eight times. More about the law firm and its successes can be found at www.hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.

Contacts
Ashley Klann
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206-268-9363