Injured Florida High School Athlete Plans to Sue School District

An attorney for a Tampa, Fla., high school football player who hit his head during practice has sent the Hillsborough County School District a notice of intent to sue.

Attorney Steve Yerrid sent the notice to the school district Friday.

Wharton High School player Sean McNamee was not wearing a helmet when warming up before drills in October. He lost his balance and struck an unattended paint machine used to line the field.

He was in a coma for nine days. Doctors told his family that the 16-year-old might not survive. Yerrid says McNamee emerged from the coma but has a titanium plate in his head and requires physical and cognitive therapy.

State law allows a maximum $200,000 in damages if the school district is found liable in this case.