Hagens Berman: Ohio Court Reinstates Concussion Lawsuit against NCAA-Affiliated Bowling Green State University

Decision marks precedent in sports litigation and student-athlete rights

COLUMBUS, Ohio--()--In an important decision for injured student-athletes, the Ohio Court of Claims has denied a motion for summary judgment from defendant Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in a concussion negligence lawsuit filed by Hagens Berman on behalf of former student-athlete, Cody Silk.

The judge found that genuine issues of material fact existed as to whether BGSU’s conduct in handling Silk’s football concussions was “wanton or reckless.” The court’s decision was made upon Hagens Berman’s motion for reconsideration and reverses an earlier decision. The lawsuit against BGSU originally filed by Hagens Berman in 2013 alleges that the university failed to protect Silk from multiple concussions and their known effects and improperly revoked his academic scholarship.

“We believe the court has made the right decision both for Cody and for all of the voiceless student-athletes facing the life-altering effects of concussions,” said Steve Berman, attorney representing National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football players. “By returning Cody to play, BGSU and its football staff failed to take basic actions to treat Cody’s injuries despite their duty to do so.”

Filed in the Ohio Court of Claims, the complaint alleges Silk received multiple concussions while playing football for BGSU. These concussions allegedly went untreated by BGSU football staff members.

To contact an attorney regarding concussions at NCAA institutions, you can email NCAAconcussions@hbsslaw.com or call 206-623-7292. Find out more about Hagens Berman’s lawsuit against BGSU and other related concussions litigation against the NCAA and other sports governing bodies.

Hagens Berman has one of the nation’s most highly regarded sports law practices. Our attorneys are the vanguard of new and innovative legal approaches to protect the rights of professional and amateur athletes in cases against large, well-financed interests, including the NCAA, the National Football League (NFL) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman has one of the nation’s most highly regarded sports law practices and has offices in nine cities. The firm seeks to protect the rights of athletes, consumers, whistleblowers and others. Hagens Berman 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

Hagens Berman
Ashley Klann, 206-268-9363
ashleyk@hbsslaw.com

Release Summary

In an important decision for injured student-athletes, the Ohio Court of Claims denied a motion for summary judgment from Bowling Green State University in a concussion lawsuit filed by Hagens Berman.

Contacts

Hagens Berman
Ashley Klann, 206-268-9363
ashleyk@hbsslaw.com