Derek Sheely Dies at Football Practice, Parents File Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Southfield, MI (Law Firm Newswire) September 13, 2016 – Derek Sheely was 22-years-old when he died after suddenly collapsing at football practice. His parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit. The parents hoped to send a message about the risk of concussions in college, pro and youth sports.

This case turned out to be a very high profile one because it shone a spotlight on a hotly debated topic, the risk of brain injuries and concussions while playing contact sports, such as football. It’s a debate that has garnered much media attention since the issue was first discovered with the death of several well-known football players as a result of suicides.

Since that time, there have been multiple deaths and lawsuits filed seeking compensation for the leagues not honestly advising players of the risks of repetitive head injuries.

Derek Sheely was participating in a football practice at Frostburg State University where he had been taking part in high-speed drills, referred to as “gladiatorial drills,” that often resulted in players receiving repeated head blows. “Although Sheely did get medical attention and was off the field after the collapse, he returned to the melee bleeding from the forehead. It is alleged he was not checked for a concussion and his helmet was not checked to see if it was properly fitted. He died on the field,” said Litigation Funding Corporation representative, Daren Monroe.

The lawsuit has a lengthy list of defendants that include the helmet maker, the assistant coach, an assistant athletic trainer, the coach and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Sheely’s parents would like to deliver a message with the lawsuit that focuses on the dangers of repetitive blows to the head. They may have a long battle ahead of them and face a great deal of expense in seeing their case to trial or a settlement.

A perfect solution for their added expenses may be litigation funding. At all times during the trial preparation, negotiations, strategy, decisions and/or settlement conferences, a litigation funding company should not be involved other than to fund a lawsuit loan. “The preparation of your case is solely up to your legal counsel and you. Period,” added Monroe.

To make certain the company chosen represents a plaintiff’s best interests and not the interests of the business, choose a trial lawyer-owned company versus a financial industry-owned corporation. A lawyer-owned litigation funding company means the CEO has represented disabled and injured clients and has the desire to ensure litigation of a lawsuit goes well.

“Always make sure to ask lots of questions when you apply for a lawsuit loan. Litigation funding is right for some individuals and not for others. It may be the right choice for your situation,” Monroe added.

Learn more at http://www.litigationfundingcorp.com