Serious Neck Injury Case Study
The injury occurred in the course of an NFL game between the Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals played in Denver in 1973. The Broncos' defensive back, Dale Hackbart, was injured by the Bengals' offensive back, Charles "Booby" Clark.
Charles Clark, acting out of anger and frustration, struck a blow with his right forearm to the back of the plaintiff's head and neck with enough force to cause both players to fall to the ground. Clark testified at trial that his frustration was caused by the fact that his team was losing the game. In response to continued pain, plaintiff later was examined by a physician who discovered a serious neck injury.
HISTORY: At bench trial the District Court ruled for defendant, finding as a matter of law that
Charles Clark, acting out of anger and frustration, struck a blow with his right forearm to the back of the plaintiff's head and neck with enough force to cause both players to fall to the ground. Clark testified at trial that his frustration was caused by the fact that his team was losing the game. In response to continued pain, plaintiff later was examined by a physician who discovered a serious neck injury.
HISTORY: At bench trial the District Court ruled for defendant, finding as a matter of law that