Easton Oliverson of Snow Canyon Little League in Utah fell from a bunk bed in his sleep Aug. 15 in the players’ dormitory in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He was placed in a medical coma and underwent several operations.
The lawsuit, which Easton’s parents filed Friday in state court in Pennsylvania, seeks at least $50,000 in punitive damages on the negligence and liability charges.
According to the suit, bed maker Savoy Contract Furniture and the Little League were neglected due to “there being no rails on the bed,” which allowed Easton to fall.
“The Savoy designed, manufactured, distributed, marketed and/or sold the two-story bunk bed is in such a serious and defective condition that it does not contain all the elements necessary to make it safe for its intended use,” the court filing read.
Jess and Nancy Oliver also alleged that their son had “significant and permanent injuries” as a result, according to the lawsuit.
“A bunk bed is any bed more than 30 inches high off the floor. This bunk bed was approximately 60 inches high and had no rails, in violation of federal regulations,” attorney Ken Fulgenetti wrote in an email to CNN.
Little League Baseball Inc. declined. Comment on pending legal proceedings. CNN was unable to reach Savoy for comment.
On August 17, shortly after the fall, Little League said that bunk beds in the players’ dorms did not have safety rails, according to a statement to CNN.
“Since 1992, Little League has used institutional style bunk beds to provide the most space for players to enjoy their time in the dormitories. While these beds do not have guard rails, Little League is unaware of any serious injuries that occurred during that time period. “.
“Out of great caution, Little League made the decision to remove all beds from within the dorms and to place each bed separately on the floor.”
Support for Easton came after news of his injury made national headlines.
Brigham Young University football team and Los Angeles Dodgers right-winger Mocky Bates have made supportive videos of him via Instagram.
Carolyn Song, Kevin Dotson, Holly Yan, and Zenbo Sella contributed to this report.
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