Pezzimenti suit against school system settled

It’s taken nearly six years to bring this case to trial, but Monday in a Shelbyville court room former WCHS football player Mario Pezzimenti finally got his day in court.

Pezzimenti was represented by lawyer Jason Reeves, who pleaded his client’s case against the Warren County school system. And in the end the judge awarded Pezzimenti $12,000 for his pain and suffering.

The incident which sparked the lawsuit happened in August of 2002 when, during a halftime speech at Shelbyville, then-WCHS head football coach Gerald Tidwell threw a helmet which struck Pezzimenti.

Pezzimenti, a junior with the team at the time, did not return to the field in the second half. and was taken to a Shelbyville hospital where he required 10 stitches to close a cut on his forehead. He later transferred from WCHS.

In the original suit, which was filed in 2006. Pezzimenti was seeking $20 million in compensatory and punitive damages. Originally named in the suit were Tidwell, high school principal James Bennett, Director of Schools Dr. Jerry Hale and the Warren County Board of Education ‘ all of whom, the suit claimed, were neglectful in hiring Tidwell.

Two years ago, county attorney Larry Stanley filed a successful motion to have the individuals dropped from the case and the Warren County School system be named as the only defendant.

The case against the school system fell under the ‘government tortual liability act,’ which sets limits on the amount of damages the school system could be liable for.

‘We knew we would be responsible for some amount, and we are very pleased with the judge’s decision,’ Stanley said. ‘We have 30 days to make an appeal, but I believe everyone involved in this matter is happy with the outcome and we don’t plan on appealing the ruling. I believe it was a fair amount for both sides.’

As far as the length of time it took to resolve this case, Pezzimenti’s attorney said it was a matter of scheduling.

‘When you have this many people involved, it’s just a matter of the calendar,’ Reeve stated. ‘Everyone’s schedule has to be on the same page. Myself, my client and the attorney for the defense all have to find a mutual date on the calendar. My client is glad to get this matter resolved, put it behind him and move on with the healing process.’

All of Pezzimenti’s medical bills stemming from the accident were paid for by the Warren County School system.

Hale, who noted the judgment will be paid through the county insurance, stated, ‘this was an unfortunate accident, but I’m glad it’s over.’

‘…we are very pleased with the judge’s decision.’
‘ Attorney Larry Stanley