Family Sues Valparaiso Schools Over Alleged Severe Concussion at Football Practice

Lawsuit claims coaches failed to report head injury and contact parents after incident.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A Valparaiso family has filed a lawsuit against Valparaiso Community Schools, alleging their freshman son suffered a severe concussion and broken wrist during an unpadded football practice. The family claims coaches failed to report the head injury, contact the parents, or properly treat the student, who has since missed school and required multiple hospital visits due to ongoing symptoms.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about player safety and concussion protocols in high school sports, especially for non-contact drills. It also raises questions about transparency and communication between schools, coaches, trainers, and parents when student-athletes are injured.

The details

According to the lawsuit, the student was participating in a non-contact drill during a preseason football practice when he suffered the injuries. Medical records show he sustained a broken wrist and concussion, but the family alleges coaches did not report the head injury, contact the parents, or properly treat the student. The student has since missed school and required multiple hospital visits due to ongoing issues like trouble walking, balancing, sleeping, blurred vision, and nosebleeds.

  • The incident occurred during a preseason football practice.
  • The family filed the lawsuit in Porter County last Thursday.

The players

Valparaiso Community Schools

The school district being sued by the family over the alleged incident.

Malachi Solomon

The freshman student who allegedly suffered a severe concussion and broken wrist during a Valparaiso High School football practice.

Jason Solomon

The father of Malachi Solomon, who is representing the family in the lawsuit against Valparaiso Community Schools.

Montgomery Finch

One of the attorneys representing the Solomon family in the lawsuit.

Dr. Jim McCall

The superintendent of Valparaiso Community Schools, who has disputed the family's claims about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“This was a non-contact drill in a pre-season practice, so when a player is removing himself from a practice during a non-contact drill, that should — theoretically raised some alarm bells.”

— Montgomery Finch, Attorney representing the Solomon family (FOX Chicago)

“The head coach and the trainer told me it was a sprained wrist and go home and I was told that you're lucky that you didn't listen to them and took him to the ER because he could've came home to bed and crashed out and I could've woken up that next day and my son could've been gone.”

— Jason Solomon, Father of injured student (FOX Chicago)

“Valparaiso Community Schools takes all concerns involving student health and safety seriously. School administrators have been in contact with the father regarding the transition back to school and other educational options available to the student as per their request.”

— Dr. Jim McCall, Superintendent, Valparaiso Community Schools (FOX Chicago)

What’s next

The family's attorneys plan to speak to witnesses and take depositions as part of the lawsuit. A subpoena/summons has been filed with the City of Valparaiso, Valparaiso High School, and the Valparaiso Administration Building, but no future court dates have been listed yet.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges schools face in properly identifying and treating student-athlete concussions, especially during non-contact drills. It underscores the need for clear communication, thorough protocols, and a commitment to player safety at all levels of high school sports.