March 13, 2009 - Paralyzed Wrestler, Schools Settle
A former West Seattle High School wrestler who was paralyzed at a practice two years ago was awarded $15 million in a settlement reached Wednesday with Seattle Public Schools.
Mac Clay, then a senior, was at wrestling practice in the school cafeteria when he was driven backward into two wrestlers going in the opposite direction. The accident left him with limited use of his arms and no movement in his fingers and triceps, his attorney said.
At the time, 13 wrestling team members were practicing using one mat on the concrete floor, although there were extra mats nearby, his attorneys said.
"They didn't follow the normal safety rules," said one of Clay's lawyers. "The coaches weren't certified and hadn't attended safety classes required" by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association.
The settlement was reached on the deadline day set by attorneys. The payment is covered by the school district's insurance carrier, but had it been more than $15 million, the difference would have come directly from the district, Clay's attorney said.
"Settlement at this amount also prevented the district from having to use district funds for the settlement," he said.
Clay was a three-sport athlete. He played golf for three years and was an outfielder on the 2006 Wildcats team that won the Metro championship. During the 2005-06 wrestling season, Clay competed in the 140- and 145-pound weight classes.
The school's valedictorian, he also was a cellist in the Seattle Youth Symphony.
"This was a very tragic wrestling accident," Seattle Public Schools spokesman David Tucker said Wednesday. "This case has been a matter of intense litigation. We are currently engaged in ongoing negotiations."
<< back
The Gary Doehling Personal Injury Law Firm, P.C. handles the following types of cases: Automobile Accidents, Oil Field Accidents, Spinal Cord Injuries, Wrongful Death, Nursing Home Negligence, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Lead Paint Exposure, Toxic Molds, Medical Malpractice, Insurance Bad Faith Claims, Airplane Accidents, Dog Bites, Drunk Drivers, Large Truck Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, School Bus Accidents, and Slip & Fall Accidents.
The Gary Doehling Personal Injury Law Firm, P.C. serves the following areas: Western Colorado, Eastern Utah, Grand Junction, Montrose, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Delta, Hermosa, Western Slope, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores, Montezuma, La Plata, San Juan, Daggett, Uintah, Grand.
The legal information offered by The Gary Doehling Personal Injury Law Firm and contained herein, regarding Colorado or Utah legal statutes and Colorado or Utah claimants' rights, is general in scope. No legal attorney / client relationship with our attorneys is hereby formed nor is the information herein intended as formal legal advice. Please contact a Colorado or Utah lawyer regarding your specific inquiry.See Terms of Use.
|
