Insight

Tackling the Dangers Student-Athletes Face

Steve Yerrid discusses how his trailblazing advocacy for student-athlete safety helped create new protocols that have prevented injuries and saved lives.

Steve Yerrid
JS

Justin Smulison

October 16, 2020 08:00 AM

Student-athletes train to be warriors on the field. But tragedies and injuries can occur on those same fields due to negligence. As a result, victims and families sometimes need a warrior in the courtroom. Steve Yerrid, founder of The Yerrid Law Firm, P.A. has repeatedly proven to be that warrior. For decades, he and his firm have effectuated improved safety protocols and procedures in a number of areas and many are still making a difference.

Yerrid’s 40-year career has been highlighted by record-setting verdicts and successful resolutions in countless cases involving catastrophic injury and death, medical malpractice, product liability, maritime disasters, and on occasion, commercial litigation. Most recently, much of his work has been in the area of student-athlete safety and has demonstrated the same results; Yerrid’s advocacy has greatly influenced safety guidelines and set precedents for high school and college athletic programs in Florida, as well as nationally.

Immediate Local Impact

Two of the latest most impactful sports safety results occurred in Hillsborough County, practically within walking distance of the Yerrid Law Firm’s office.

Hezekiah Walters was a Middleton High School freshman in 2019 who wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps by playing football. The youngest player on the field, a 14-year-old, was participating in the second day of “conditioning drills” when he collapsed and died due to heat-related overexertion. His heartbroken parents contacted The Yerrid Law Firm for justice.

“There were no medical professionals or trainers on-site while ‘Heze’ was suffering with a more than 102-degree body temperature,” Yerrid says. “The conditions of that day were unacceptable and his death was unnecessary. Fortunately, the school district took responsibility shortly afterward. Additionally, and because we have a recognized track record in this area of law, there was a mutual decision to come together rather than become adversaries. Everyone involved was motivated to do the right thing in protecting our young student athletes.”

The Hillsborough County School Board collaborated with Yerrid, the Walters family, and nationally recognized experts in student-athlete safety. Significant steps were taken to prevent similar tragedies from happening again. The board passed a measure requiring the hiring of a full-time athletic trainer to attend every public-school practice, conditioning drill, scrimmage, or official game. Extensive safety protocols (named in honor of Heze Walters) were also instituted, such as regular hydration and safety breaks, along with a requirement that all coaches attend every practice and game.

Florida rightfully takes price in its local football teams, but the top priority must be ensuring the safety of every student athlete entrusted to its care.

The Walters tragedy occurred less than five years after Yerrid represented Wharton High School football player Sean McNamee. McNamee suffered a severe head injury during an October 2013 warm-up that later put the varsity star in a nine-day coma. Following two brain surgeries—which ultimately required a titanium plate to be permanently placed in his skull—McNamee survived but needed significant cognitive and physical therapy. Yerrid’s representation ensured McNamee’s future would also be financially secure when he subsequently obtained more than $2 million in settlement money as well. Yerrid also convinced the board to agree to provide and maintain an additional $1 million in general liability coverage above the very limited cap of $300,000 in total damages allowed under Florida’s Sovereign Immunity Law that “protects” public entities. New safety guidelines concerning potential head injuries, labeled as the “McNamee Protocol,” and modeled after NFL and NCAA concussion guidelines, were instituted throughout the public schools.

“Florida rightfully takes pride in its local football teams, but the top priority must be ensuring the safety of every student-athlete entrusted to its care,” Yerrid says. “We are currently communicating with Florida’s other 66 counties and making efforts to encourage all of their school boards to obtain $1 million in insurance coverage above the statutory cap. We also advocate for using McNamee Protocols, as well as the Walters Protocols, as models to reduce the risks of head injuries, heat strokes, and adverse cardiac events.”

National and Collegiate Change

Over several decades, Yerrid and his firm have established a national reputation for fearless advocacy. He has been named “Lawyer of the Year” in Tampa by The Best Lawyers in America© several times for the quality of his representation of plaintiffs in both medical malpractice and personal injury matters.

Those accomplishments are just a few reasons he has been contacted by families whose members have died of complications related to Sickle Cell Trait while playing college football. SCT are inherited red blood cell traits that are sometimes present at birth. Though carrying the trait does not mean a sickling event will necessarily occur, it does require special accommodations for SCT athletes.

Ereck Plancher was 19 years old and an outstanding student, as well as a talented wide receiver, when he participated in an off-season football conditioning drill in March 2008 for the University of Central Florida (UCF). The exercise was harsh and lacking in proper hydration or rest breaks that it caused Plancher’s body to activate his sickling trait. As his red blood cells turned into sickle shapes, their ability to carry oxygen was lost. Ereck collapsed several times as his organs shut down, and he struggled mightily before finally dying. His autopsy revealed he carried the Sickle Cell Trait, and his UCF medical records showed he also carried it in 2008. Ironically, Plancher’s SCT had been diagnosed by UCF’s own medical staff and was known by UCF’s coaches and trainers even before he joined the team. His parents’ legal team hired Yerrid to take the case to trial. Rather than accept responsibility, UCF’s decision to fight the case every step of the way led to years of litigation, and ultimately, after three weeks of trial, a jury verdict of $10 million was rendered. That verdict was later reduced by the appellate courts and the case ultimately settled after it was argued in the Florida Supreme Court and before Ereck’s father passed on.

Ted Agu was 21 years old when he played football for University of California, Berkeley (UC). The defensive lineman also carried SCT trait, which UC had discovered two years earlier during his annual medical examination. Nevertheless, he needlessly died following an unacceptably harsh team “drill” in which no precautions or accommodations were made for his known SCT condition. Yerrid and Brian Panish, an outstanding L.A. trial lawyer and good friend, filed a wrongful death suit on behalf of Agu’s parents. The lawsuit charged that the steller pre-med student should not have been subjected to such extreme exertion and that the negligence by UC officials caused his easily preventable death.

Shortly after litigation commenced, UC decided to take responsibility rather than litigate against the Agu family. As a result, UC paid $4.75 million in settlement to the parents and immediately effectuated widespread changes in their statewide student athlete protocols and procedures for SCT athletes. True to Yerrid’s mission, he was also able to cause needed change. No sickling deaths have occurred at UC since.

“This result led to critical reforms at all of UC’s 11 campuses, starting with education about athletes that carry sickle cell traits,” Yerrid notes. “Punishments like extra high-risk physical activities cannot be used, and workout and conditioning plans are now thoroughly reviewed and customized. Ted Agu, Ereck Plancher, and several other remarkable youths who lost their lives are forever honored and memorialized with these life-saving steps.”

With experience representing injured and vulnerable players, Yerrid keeps a close watch on the precautions athletic associations at all levels are taking with regard to COVID-19.

“Many of us love sports and football, but no game is worth a young person’s life,” Yerrid says. “As we’ve seen, the COVID-19 virus is highly contagious and dangerous. The ideology of our firm’s work with SCT should be applied to COVID-19 and the institution of safe practices. In the best interests of everyone, proper protocols must be in place well before tragedy strikes. And if those precautions are not taken by corporate or public entities, we will be there to right those wrongs.”

Headline Image: Peter Acker

Related Articles

Leading Cause of Car Accidents in Alabama? Failing to Yield the Right of Way


by Mitchel Lattof

Failing to yield the right of way was the leading cause of car accidents in Alabama in 2018. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, failing to yield the right of way resulted in 23,832 crashes. Ninety-six of those crashes resulted in fatalities.

Shards of car glass on the street

Family Law – Sometimes All in the Family


by Justin Smulison

Led by a father-and-son team of Family Law lawyers and trial advocates, with the support and assistance of family members, Blevans & Blevans, LLP continues its tradition of excellence serving the Northern California Bay Area in 2020 and beyond.

Blevans & Blevans

How to Handle Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident


by Craig D. Rosenbaum

Receiving medical attention after a car accident can be expensive. One personal injury lawyer details the steps to take when seeking medical attention after the accident.

Car Accident

A Potentially Precedent-Shifting Verdict


by Sean Stonefield

Preeminent trial lawyer Benedict Morelli on achieving one of the highest pain-and-suffering awards in New York State history.

Benedict Morelli

Overcoming Obstacles


by Sean Stonefield

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, personal injury firm Block O’Toole & Murphy is on track for its most successful year.

Block O'Toole & Murphy

Andrew B. Yaffa - Miami 2021 Lawyer of the Year


by Best Lawyers

Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs Miami, Florida

Andrew B. Yaffa

Legislation Under Fire


by Janice Zhou

The legal battle for gun regulation in Florida moves forward.

Gun shots on target practice

The Winning Edge


by Justin Smulison

In its 40th year, Frantz Law Group finalized history-making settlements for clients in California and nationally.

Frantz Law Group

Strategy and Resilience


by Justin Smulison

Easton & Easton partners discuss how innovating during 2020’s uncertainty led to stronger injury cases, new practice areas, and greater success.

Easton & Easton

R. Lewis Van Blois - Oakland 2021 Lawyer of the Year


by Best Lawyers

Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs Oakland, California

R. Lewis Van Blois

Justice in the Age of COVID-19


by Todd A. Smith

Pandemic Creates Sea Change in the Delivery of Justice

Two paintings of two people's fingers pointed at each other and almost touching

What to Do If You Become a Victim of Police Brutality?


by Edson Legal and Grillo Law

Two Toronto firms, one focusing on police brutality and the other on personal injury, give advice on what are the next steps you should take if you find yourself the victim of police brutality or abuse.

What Can You Do If You Are a Victim of Police

Decades of Excellence


by Justin Smulison

The powerhouse firm Lubin & Meyer continues to maintain its position of dominance in the fields of medical malpractice law and catastrophic personal injury litigation.

Lubin & Meyer Best Lawyers 2020

Trial Law Leadership


by Justin Smulison

Daniel J.T. Sciano, twice-named Best Lawyers® San Antonio “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs (2010, 2012), discusses how his record of success impacts clients and Texas’ legal community

Daniel Sciano Best Lawyers 2020

Big Case Warriors


by Best Lawyers

The co-founders of Lyons & Simmons, LLP discuss their relentless dedication to pursuing justice for clients while also invoking change.

Lyons & Simmons Best Lawyers 2020

A Trial Icon


by Sean Stonefield

Dan Cogdell on his almost four decades of courtroom success.

Dan Cogdell Best Lawyers 2020

Trending Articles

The 2024 Best Lawyers in Spain™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Spain™ and the third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Spain™ for 2024.

Tall buildings and rushing traffic against clouds and sun in sky

Best Lawyers Expands Chilean 2024 Awards


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is pleased to announce the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in Chile™ and the inaugural edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Chile™, honoring the top lawyers and firms conferred on by their Chilean peers.

Landscape of city in Chile

The Best Lawyers in Spain™ 2023


by Best Lawyers

Announcing Spain's recognized lawyers for 2023.

Flag of Spain

Announcing The Best Lawyers in South Africa™ 2024


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is excited to announce the landmark 15th edition of The Best Lawyers in South Africa™ for 2024, including the exclusive "Law Firm of the Year" awards.

Sky view of South Africa town and waterways

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in America Honorees


by Best Lawyers

Only the top 5.3% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Gold strings and dots connecting to form US map

The Best Lawyers in Portugal™ 2024


by Best Lawyers

The 2024 awards for Portugal include the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in Portugal™ and 2nd edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Portugal™.

City and beach with green water and blue sky

The Best Lawyers in Peru™ 2024


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is excited to announce the landmark 10th edition of The Best Lawyers in Peru, the prestigious award recognizing the country's lop legal talent.

Landscape of Peru city with cliffside and ocean

The Best Lawyers in South Africa™ 2023


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers proudly announces lawyers recognized in South Africa for 2023.

South African flag

The Best Lawyers in Chile™ 2023


by Best Lawyers

The results include an elite field of top lawyers and firms in Chile.

White star in blue box beside white box with red box on bottom

The Best Lawyers in Colombia™ 2024


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in Colombia™ for 2024, which honors Colombia's most esteemed lawyers and law firms.

Cityscape of Colombia with blue cloudy sky above

Announcing the 2024 Best Lawyers in Puerto Rico™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Puerto Rico™, honoring the top lawyers and firms across the country for 2024.

View of Puerto Rico city from the ocean

The 2023 Best Lawyers in Portugal™


by Best Lawyers

Announcing the elite group of lawyers recognized in Portugal for 2023.

Green and red Portuguese flag

Unwrapping Shrinkflation


by Justin Smulison

Through the lens of the United States, we take a closer look at the global implication of companies downsizing products while maintaining and often raising prices.

Chocolate bar being unwrapped from foil

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2023


by Best Lawyers

The third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ highlights the legal talent of lawyers who have been in practice less than 10 years.

Three arrows made of lines and dots on blue background

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue


by Best Lawyers

The 2021 Global Issue features top legal talent from the most recent editions of Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch worldwide.

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in Canada Honorees


by Best Lawyers

The Best Lawyers in Canada™ is entering its 17th edition for 2023. We highlight the elite lawyers awarded this year.

Red map of Canada with white lines and dots