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SALT LAKE CITY — The family of a Utah boy injured when he fell from his bunk bed ahead of the Little League World Series is now suing the baseball organization and the furniture company that made the bed.
Easton Oliverson, 12, who plays outfield and pitches for the Snow Canyon Little League all-star baseball team in Santa Clara, was critically injured Aug. 15 after reportedly falling 6 feet onto a hard floor, fracturing his skull and cheekbone.
Easton's family announced via Instagram on Monday that he's returned to southern Utah.
"He is resting and adjusting to his recovery away from the hospital. Please continue to keep Easton in your prayers. He is thrilled to be home, but understands that he still has a very long road ahead. It's not going to be easy, but we have faith that his prayer army will continue to carry him through," the post says.
Now, his parents, Nancy and Jace Oliverson, are seeking at least $50,000 in damages on a count of negligence; and at least another $50,000 on a count of strict liability, according to the lawsuit filed Sept. 16 in Philadelphia County's Court of Common Pleas.
The suit claims that the bunk beds made by John Savoy & Son, Inc., and used in Little League dorms are "dangerous and defective" and do not meet the expectations of a reasonable consumer because they were made without rails.
The suit also accuses both the furniture company and Little League of, among other things, failing to care for children, failing to properly inspect the bed, and failing to properly evaluate, hire and supervise employees.
Little League and John Savoy & Inc. did not conduct thorough background checks on employees, it alleges, failed to ensure employees had proper certifications and licenses, and did not follow policies and procedures.
"As a direct and proximate result of the aforementioned negligence ... plaintiff sustained serious and permanent injuries, including internal bleeding among other injuries, some or all of which are permanent in nature," the lawsuit states. "(Easton) has suffered in the past and will continue to suffer in the future, aches, pains, traumas, contusions, humiliation, embarrassment, suffering, disfigurement and/or inconvenience."
Kevin Fountain with Little League International said Tuesday that it can not comment on pending litigation.
