The Legal Side of Student-Athlete Deaths: A Deep Dive with Jeff Murphy

What happens when a college athlete dies during practice—and the school is to blame?

In this episode of Hot Docket, Attorney Jeff Murphy takes us inside the high-stakes world of sports injury litigation where law, medicine, and tragedy collide. Together, we uncover the hidden truths behind sports-related death and injury litigation.

With over 35 years of experience in law and 17 years as a volunteer high school football coach, Jeff has become a leading voice in representing families of student-athletes who tragically lost their lives during athletic conditioning. He shares compelling stories from landmark cases against major universities, unpacks the complex legal and medical issues surrounding student-athlete deaths, and offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how these emotionally charged cases are built—and challenged.

From legal challenges like liability waivers and state immunity to hidden health risks like sickle cell trait and heat-stroke, Jeff breaks down a complex area of law that affects more people than you might think. He also shares how he found his way into this unique legal niche—and how it’s changing both the courtroom and athletic safety standards nationwide.

Tune in to learn:

• The Hidden Risk in Conditioning – Why the start of training periods is the most dangerous time for athletes—and where most of these tragedies occur.
• Medical Conditions Like Sickle Cell Trait – The #1 overlooked factor that can turn intense workouts deadly, especially when staff miss the warning signs.
• Why Waivers Don’t Always Hold Up – How buried legal language and unsafe training practices can render signed waivers unenforceable in court.
• State Immunity & Capped Damages – The legal barrier that limits justice, even after a jury rules in the family’s favor—thanks to sovereign immunity laws.
• Universities Shielding Themselves – How schools use private entities like DSOs to avoid scrutiny while still benefiting from state protections.
• Jeff’s Dual Role: Coach & Attorney – Why having both field and courtroom experience gives him a unique edge in these emotionally charged cases.
• How a Niche Becomes a Calling – The moment one case turned into a national mission, opening the door to help families across the country.

Key Actionable Takeaways for Law Firm Owners: 

• Own a Niche to Stand Out – Specializing in a unique legal area builds credibility, visibility, and trust faster than general practice ever will.
• Promote Big Wins – Publicize major case results to attract similar clients and boost your reputation through SEO, media, and referrals.
• Be a Thought Leader – Share your expertise through podcasts, articles, and events to position your firm as the go-to in your niche.
• Double Down on What Works – Once you gain traction in a niche, amplify it with focused marketing to create a referral engine.
• Leverage Media for Authority – Use press coverage of unique cases to extend your reach beyond local markets and attract national attention.

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://www.jeffmurphylaw.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-d-murphy-58938834
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/personalinjuryattorneytampa#

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email [e-mail].

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!