Family of Deceased High School Football Player Accepts $2.8M Settlement

In the New Jersey lawsuit entitled Dougherty v. Montclair Board of Education, the family of a deceased high school football player alleged that high school athletic officials allowed 16-year-old football player Ryne Dougherty to return to the field too soon after sustaining a concussion in practice.  After making a tackle in a game, Dougherty needed to be helped off the field, collapsed and later died in the hospital due to swelling of the brain.  Defendants in the case included the the Montclair Board of Education and the high school.  The case settled before trial for $2.8 million.