SANDPOINT - The parents of Sandpoint High School student athlete who was injured in a cycling accident during cross country practice are suing the Lake Pend Oreille School District for negligence.

The suit was filed in 1st District Court on Sept. 12.

Mike and Joan Richardson are seeking damages on behalf of their son, Michael, who was injured while training with the cross country team in the fall of 2009. Michael Richardson was 17 at the time of the accident.

The suit alleges that the teen was nursing a calf injury and was unable to run with the team without significant pain. The family's attorney said in the suit that it was customary for injured cross country runners to ride a bicycle during practices.

The coaches supplied Richardson with a bike and a helmet, but allegedly neglected to advise him that the bicycle's brakes were faulty.

While riding downhill on Pinecrest Loop Road, Hayden attorney Lawrence Beck said Richardson "experienced complete brake failure" and collided with a vehicle at the Pinecrest Road intersection at full speed. Beck said the helmet "disintegrated" upon impact, leaving Richardson with severe injuries, including a closed head wound.

Such wounds are a type of traumatic brain injury in which the skull and outermost membrane remain intact. Closed head injuries are the most common cause of physical disability and cognitive impairment in young people.

The suit seeks a trial and damages in excess of $10,000.

The school district does not comment on pending litigation.