PCVA Law has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of a former Gig Harbor High School quarterback, who suffered severe injuries during the 2023 “Fish Bowl” game between Gig Harbor and Peninsula high schools. The complaint, filed in Pierce County, outlines a distressing culture within the Peninsula School District—one that, as alleged, fosters and promotes violent conduct in high school football.
Our client endured a violent, late hit occurring several seconds after the whistle, which left him with a broken jaw, a concussion, and without feeling in his legs for 8-10 hours. The Peninsula School District failed to arrange for sufficient on-site medical personnel, delaying the necessary medical attention.
“There has been a culture and pattern and practice of this type of behavior within the Peninsula School District, and specifically within the Peninsula High School of encouraging children who are playing football to not only target quarterbacks, but also to injure them,” said PCVA Partner Kevin Hastings in an interview with King 5 news. Hastings stated that this pattern of behavior points to an ingrained culture of excessive aggression within the district’s football program, which warrants urgent attention and accountability.
School Injuries
When you send a child to school, it is reasonable to expect them not to be seriously injured in the school’s care. However, accidents happen – in class, on the playground, during field trips and at school sporting events and functions. If you or a loved one has been injured while at school, an experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and your legal options for holding others accountable.
Who is liable for injuries in Washington State schools?
The Washington State Supreme Court has made it abundantly clear that schools have a duty to take “reasonable care” to ensure students are safe from “foreseeable” hazards in and around the school. Additionally, the school is responsible for protecting students from the harmful actions of other students, teachers, administrators and staff in the building and on the grounds.
To determine whether a school is liable for your child’s injuries, it is necessary to gather all the facts. For example, if a child falls from playground equipment at school and breaks her arm, the first question would be, “How did this happen?”
- Were the children being supervised on the playground? If not, the school may be liable because of the school’s failure to supervise students as part of their duty of “reasonable care.”
- Did the child fall on his own or was he pushed by another student? If he was pushed, the other student may be liable.
- Was the equipment maintained and in good working order? If not, was the school aware of the damage to the equipment? If so, the school may be liable.
Are schools liable for injuries?
In Washington State, schools and school districts may be sued for negligence and held liable for injuries resulting from that negligence. A 1988 court ruling noted, “… [a] school district may be liable for injuries sustained as a result of negligent supervision or failure to supervise activities of its students.” The ruling further clarified a student, “… may sue the school district for injuries resulting from its failure to protect the child.”
Press Coverage:
Family of football player injured in 2023 Fish Bowl sues Peninsula School District, coach – Gig Harbor Now
Mom of former Gig Harbor quarterback sues district over late hit that hospitalized son – Kiro 7
Family of quarterback injured in 2023 Fish Bowl sues school district, coach, player – The News Tribune