When news broke that a current teacher and former Hernando High School assistant coach was arrested for giving a student a kratom-based supplement, the story struck close to home for many families in our community. But beyond the shock, this incident raises important legal and safety questions that demand answers – especially for parents, educators, and anyone who works with youth.
As Hernando County’s local personal injury law firm, we’re here to help break down what happened, what kratom really is, and what your legal rights are when injury results from someone else’s reckless decisions.
What Happened?
On May 9, a 17-year-old student at Hernando High was rushed to the hospital after consuming a supplement containing kratom – provided by assistant coach Terry Kennedy. Reports say the student had seen Kennedy taking the supplement for energy and asked to try it. Shortly after, the teen became unresponsive in class, exhibiting rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, and overheating.
Kennedy admitted he knowingly gave the teen a supplement with kratom, which is illegal for anyone under 18 in Florida. He was arrested and charged.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. Depending on the dose, it acts as either a stimulant or a sedative. At low doses, it increases alertness. At high doses, it can mimic opioids – potentially leading to euphoria, drowsiness, or even respiratory depression.
Because it’s not regulated by the FDA, there’s no control over dosage, potency, or purity. That’s a recipe for disaster – especially when it’s given to a teenager.
The Legal Implications: What You Need to Know
As personal injury attorneys, we’re watching this case closely. Why? Because it’s a perfect storm of legal exposure:
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Criminal liability: Providing kratom to a minor is a crime. The coach faces charge – and rightfully so.
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Civil liability: If the student suffered harm, their family may have a personal injury claim for damages related to medical expenses, trauma, and long-term effects.
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Institutional responsibility: If the school failed to enforce policies or ignored warning signs, it could potentially share in the liability.
At Brijbag Law, we’ve handled countless cases where negligence, poor judgment, or outright misconduct resulted in serious injury. When that happens, it’s not just a mistake – it’s a legal matter.
This Isn’t Just a News Story. It’s a Wake-Up Call.
For parents: Be alert. If a trusted adult gave your child something unsafe – even if it wasn’t illegal for adults – you may have legal grounds to act.
For educators: Understand the laws around substances like kratom. “Natural” doesn’t mean “safe” – and definitely doesn’t mean “legal for kids.”
For our community: Demand transparency. Demand accountability.
And if your family is ever impacted by a reckless or negligent act – on school grounds or anywhere else – don’t wait. Call a local law firm that knows how to fight and win.
In a Collusion? Make the Right Decision! Call Brijbag Law.
The local injury firm in Hernando County.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
www.BrijbagLaw.com | (352) 358-5880
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique – contact our office for a personalized consultation.
