Helmet maker held responsible in injury suit

A Colorado jury awarded an $11.5 million judgment to a partially paralyzed high school football player who had sued helmet manufacturer Riddell as well as school administrators and coaches, the Denver Post reported.

The jury found Riddell responsible for $3.1 million of the judgment awarded to Rhett Ridolfi, who sustained a serious head injury during a Trinidad High School football practice in August 2008.

The jury in Las Animas County determined that Riddell was negligent in failing to warn people about concussion dangers while wearing its helmets.

Frank Azar, Ridolfi's attorney, told the Post that the injury left Ridolfi paralyzed on the left side of his body and severely brain damaged.