Child Injury

Childhood injuries can have long-term effects and require careful monitoring into adulthood. These examples show the range of cases we've handled on behalf of children and their families.

Case Story 1

The Case: While shopping with his family at a large home improvements store, a small child was hit by a falling steel display door, causing cranial bleeding. The Results: Pulley Watson brought a suit against a large home improvements store, who then filed the claim against the manufacturer. The money awarded paid off all medical bills and set up a college fund for the child. Attorney: Richard Watson

Case Story 2

The Case: Rodney, a five-year-old boy, reached up to the top of a service desk in a large warehouse facility. The desk had not been installed properly and fell on him, causing a permanent brain injury. The Results: Pulley Watson was able to spare Rodney and his family the emotional ramifications of a trial, and reached a fair out-of-court settlement. The family now has the means to pay for Rodney's life-long medical and psychiatric needs. Attorney: Richard Watson

Case Story 3

The Case: Nicki, a six-year-old girl, was placed on a large horse at an equestrian center. During her ride, Nicki's foot came out of one of the stirrups. As she was attempting to reseat herself, the horse bucked and threw her. Her other foot became caught in the stirrup, and her helmet fell off. Nicki was dragged upside down until she hit her head on a pole, and suffered severe permanent brain injury. The Investigation: Pulley Watson consulted with engineering professionals from Duke and MIT to prove that the helmet was negligently designed. A settlement was reached by holding both the equestrian center and the helmet manufacturers accountable. The Results: Pulley Watson attorneys are stunned by Nicki's unbelievable determination. The money awarded in the case will pay for her medical needs for the rest of her life, and we worked with the family to ensure that she has continued access to great daily care and special tutors to help her advancement. She is now able to walk with a walker, and just completed high school. Attorney: Richard Watson

Case Story 4

The Case: Trevor, a high school senior, was assigned by his school system to use a city bus as his daily transportation to and from school. This bus did not have the safety mechanisms present on a traditional school bus. On the third day of school, Trevor exited the bus in the morning and, while crossing the street towards his school, was hit by a dump truck that was owned by the school system. He suffered a severe brain injury as a result. The Investigation: Pulley Watson hired accident reproduction engineers and found that the driver of the dump truck was going 10mph over the speed limit, causing nearly 100 feet of skid marks before his vehicle hit Trevor. Our investigation also uncovered the dump truck driver's bad driving record, including recent complaints against him for driving recklessly in a school zone. Pulley Watson was able to show that the school system was accountable for hiring the driver with full knowledge of his driving history. Our attorneys also held the school system accountable for not providing Trevor with transportation that met required safety standards. And they showed that the simple and inexpensive purchase of a hand-held stop sign and crossing guard vest would have been an effective preventative solution. The Results: Trevor collected damages that will pay for his past and future medical and living needs. The settlement will also cover the costs of his special needs for the remainder of his life. We also worked to set up a special needs trust that will protect the government benefits he receives. Attorney: Guy Crabtree

NOTE: Names of clients have been changed for confidentiality reasons.