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Athletes File Claim Against Huntington Beach High School After Staph Infections

Two students of Huntington Beach High School have filed claims against the school alleging that improperly sterilized football equipment left them with staph infections.

According to the claims filed by the two unidentified students, the school failed to properly sterilize the football equipment they used leading to the development of staph infection on the elbow, knees, forehead, and chin. A staph infection is caused by a group of bacteria, known as staphylococcus bacteria, and can cause a number of conditions including skin diseases. A staph infection of the skin can show up in the form of a pus-filled boil that can be red, swollen, and painful. This can eventually evolve into a crusting of the skin and cellulitis, a condition in which there is inflammation of the tissue under the skin. In rare cases, a staph infection can lead to what is called scalded skin syndrome, in which the bacteria produces a protein compound that destroys the bond that causes the skin layers to stick together. The effect is similar to what is seen when there has been scalding of the skin, and this condition can have potentially serious effects. staph germs can often be found in door handles, sports equipment, and clothing as well as on public transportation, like buses.

According to one of the students who filed a claim, he was forced to visit the emergency room twice, and had to remain hospitalized for a few days for treatment. He also underwent wound care therapy as part of his recovery. The entire treatment cost him $460, as mentioned in the claims. The other student paid $580 for his medical treatment related to the staph infection. The school has stubbornly refused to take any responsibility for the staph infection. Students are expected to take care of their equipment during trials and practices, but every football season, the equipment is sent for professional cleaning and sterilization. Besides sterilizing, the procedure involves inspection and cleaning, as well as repairs of the equipment.

The fact that the two athletes both suffered from potentially dangerous staph infections seems to be linked to inadequate sterilization and safety measures to protect athletes from disease at the school. The school maintains that only two students developed staph infections out of the many who use the equipment. However, staph infections are especially prevalent in people who have weakened immune systems because of an illness. It is entirely possible that the students contracted the infections because of their weakened immune system, and in the absence of properly hygienic cleaning and sterilization of the equipment by the school. Now that their claims have been denied, the students may consider a personal injury lawsuit against the school to recover damages.

The Reeves Law Group is a law firm with offices throughout California dedicated exclusively to the representation of personal injury victims, including victims of personal injuries. Please visit our website at trlglaw.com. If you desire a free consultation on a personal injury matter, please call us at (800) 644-8000 or email us.

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