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Family Sues University Over Pancake Contest Death of 20 year-old Student

Family Sues University Over Pancake Contest Death of 20 year-old Student

The heartbroken family of a student who died after choking in a pancake-eating contest is suing her university. Caitlin Nelson, 20, died in March 2017 after her airway became blocked by a mass of pancakes during an eating competition at Connecticut’s Sacred Heart University. Witnesses say sorority vice president Caitlin collapsed and started convulsing after eating about five pancakes. Nursing students at the event administered immediate first aid and were soon joined by paramedics and police officers. Caitlin was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and died two days later.

Caitlin’s family has launched legal action against Sacred Heart University over the incident. The lawsuit claims that a large quantity of concrete-like pancake paste had to be removed from Caitlin’s airway. It is also stated in the lawsuit that the family wants to improve awareness of the dangers presented by amateur eating challenges and save lives by preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Competitive Eating Dangers

Several fatal incidents surrounding competitive eating contests have prompted widespread criticism of the events. A 42-year-old man died in Denver just days after Caitlin Nelson’s death after choking during a doughnut-eating challenge. In another incident in 2014, a competitive eater died during a hot dog-eating competition. Almost all competitive eating deaths are attributed to choking due to the high volume of food consumed with minimal chewing, creating a serious risk of airway blockages. Even competitive eaters admit that it can be a dangerous practice for amateurs who are not used to rapid, high-volume eating.

Choking is not the only danger presented by eating competitions, though, especially for competitive eaters who test their limits regularly. It can cause vomiting, nausea, chronic indigestion, stomach perforations, and even conditions that stop the body from processing food properly.

Liability Issues

The question of liability can be complicated when it comes to eating competitions. Organizers will usually have entrants sign a waiver before participating in a contest. This practice is well-established in professional competitions that an experienced organizing body has set up. However, in many amateur contests, waivers are not signed.

Even when a waiver is signed, it may not be enforceable in court. This means that there may still be a liability case, allowing for legal action to be taken. In some cases, it may be ruled that amateur entrants were not fully aware of the risks and did not have the information necessary to make an informed decision. Waivers are also usually not enforceable when signed by minors or those under the influence of alcohol or if the waiver is not written clearly.

In the case of Caitlin Nelson, the family is filing a lawsuit because they believe the proper precautions were not taken to make the university contest safe. Anyone else who has suffered a loss or injury through a premises claim may also be able to seek compensation. Contact an experienced premises liability attorney who can take you through your legal options.

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