6-year-old’s skull, spine crushed when tree branch fell on him at IN school, suit says
.png "A 6-year-old boy was seriously injured when a tree branch fell on top of him at Sugar Creek Elementary School in New Palestine, Indiana.")
The parents of an Indiana student are suing after they say a tree branch fell on their son’s head, crushing his skull and spine.
On May 22, the 6-year-old boy was sitting outside under a Bradford pear tree at Sugar Creek Elementary School in New Palestine, according to a lawsuit filed by the boy’s parents.
While the boy was sitting under the tree, a tree limb fell, striking him in his head and neck, according to the lawsuit.
The branch “crushed his skull and spine, which resulted in a fractured skull and six compressed vertebrae,” the civil complaint said.
A teacher picked the boy up and carried him to the nurse’s office “without any supportive device for (his) neck or back,” according to the lawsuit.
The parents said the school did not immediately call them to inform them their son was injured and also delayed calling emergency medical services.
The lawsuit accuses the school of failing to provide a safe environment by not maintaining the trees on the campus and not restricting student access to them.
A spokesperson for New Palestine Community Schools told McClatchy News they cannot comment on pending litigation.
The boy “suffered severe and permanent injuries, including significant head, neck, back, and psychological injuries, putting (him) at a higher risk for future head injury,” according to the lawsuit.
It also says he “has endured extreme emotional distress, has incurred hospital, medical and therapy bills, and will continue to incur such damages in the future.”
The lawsuit is asking for an undetermined amount in damages.
New Palestine is about a 15-mile drive east of downtown Indianapolis.
