Three years ago, Ereck Plancher died during a workout supervised by his University of Central Florida football coach, George O’Leary. Plancher’s family soon filed a wrongful death lawsuit. Earlier this week, a jury awarded Plancher’s family $10 million, which the Plancher family’s lawyer claimed brought “justice for the family.” Plancher’s mother and father will each receive $5 million.
The jury did not award punitive damages, which according to KnightNews.com legal analysts, means, “the jury didn’t believe the UCF football program committed egregious or outrageous negligence.” According to Judge Robert M. Evans, in order for punitive damages to be awarded, Plancher’s attorneys would have had to prove that O’Leary ordered water and trainers out of the field house during the workout.
Through a spokesman, UCF stated that the university’s athletics association intends to appeal the verdict. UCF contends that the jury’s decision not to award punitive damages “reaffirms the university’s position of support for the athletic association’s leadership as UCF believes it makes the right decisions.”
UCF Football Guilty in Ereck Plancher Wrongful Death Trial, www.knightnews.com July 1, 2011.
Sadly, an aspiring young athlete lost his life because of his coach’s negligent actions. No one should lose their life or suffer injuries as a result of another person’s carelessness. If you or a loved on has been injured as a result of another’s actions, call the Coral Gables personal injury lawyers at the Friedland | Carmona today! The Fort Lauderdale wrongful death attorneys have dedicated over twenty years to helping families recover compensation for the loss of their loved one. Call (305) 661-2008 today for your free consultation!
The Miami wrongful death lawyers at the Friedland | Carmona handle all types of personal injury cases throughout the state of Florida, including Boca Raton, Homestead, North Miami, South Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Pembroke Pines, Hialeah, Kendall, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. The Friedland | Carmona handles all types of personal injury claims, including slip and falls, defective products, medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents and construction site injuries. Call today and let our family take care of your family!