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WILLIAMSPORT -- The helmet worn by a Jersey Shore Area High School player when he suffered a disabling injury in 2018 was not defective, the manufacturer claims.
Riddell Sports Group on Monday responded to the lawsuit in U.S. Middle District Court filed by Danielle M. and Jacob Leone on behalf of themselves and their son, Caleb.
The senior defensive end who is now 20 was wearing a Riddell helmet when injured during an Aug. 14, 2018, practice.
He suffered a severe brain injury in a helmet-to-helmet hit that affected his motor skills. Caleb is confined to a wheelchair and is speaking a little but not with clarity, his father said.
The suit accuses the Riddell defendants of negligence and failing to design, manufacture and test a football helmet that would adequately protect the brains of adolescents.
They also are accused of marketing a helmet without adequate instruction on its use and without warning of the dangers.
The Riddell defendants deny the helmet caused or contributed to Caleb's injuries. They contend:
--The helmets contain interior and exterior warning labels, their response states.
--Caleb and/or his parents were aware or should have been aware that the risk of injury is an inherent part of football.
--The injuries could have been caused by other parties including the school, coaching staff, trainers and team physicians.
--The design and manufacture of the Riddell helmet conformed to state of the art in the industry at the time.
-- There could have negligent misuse or modification of the helmet.
The Leones are seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages in excess of $75,000.
Riddell Inc. and All American Sports Corp. are wholly owned subsidiaries of Riddell Sports Group Inc., whose parent company is BRG Sports Inc. All are defendants in the lawsuit.
All American Sports Corp. has an Ohio address; the others are based in Illinois.