A Clark University student has sued the school, the crew team head coach and several former teammates for negligence after suffering injuries during a training session.
The incident in question occurred on August 27, 2014, a few days after plaintiff Brennan Ross began attending the New Hampshire school. That day, Ross attended a practice, which was led by returning members of the team. One of the team’s upperclassmen, Nick Reynolds, reportedly made Ross do 125 jump squats in five minutes.
The plaintiff claimed that he was “in pain soon after beginning, yet Reynolds forced (him) to continue. (He) was then forced to endure a grueling practice, including a five kilometer row, even after he advised defendant Reynolds of his pain.”
After that practice, Ross claimed that he suffered “significant stiffness and excruciating pain in both of his thighs.” Nevertheless, at the next day’s practice on Aug. 28, he was allegedly told by other members of the rowing team to train through the pain. Ross claimed his symptoms “steadily worsened,” leading him to seek medical attention.
On Aug. 29, Ross was admitted to Exeter Hospital’s emergency department in Exeter, New Hampshire. He was diagnosed with “severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury,” according to the complaint. MedlinePlus defines Rhabdomyolysis as “the breakdown of muscle tissue that leads to the release of muscle fiber contents into the blood.”
On Aug. 30, Ross underwent surgery on his thigh. There were complications with the wound. He now allegedly “suffers from permanent disabling injuries,” according to the complaint.
In his lawsuit, Ross, and his parents, alleged that Clark University and the other defendants were negligent because they promoted unsafe training practices and hazing of new team members. While the complaint seeks an unspecified amount, the parents have allegedly spent almost $30,000 on treatment and care. The plaintiffs estimate Ross’ loss of future earnings at $500,000.
