NJ Little Leaguer Gets $14.5M for Baseball Injury
Steven Domalewski's life was changed after a Little League game where he was struck by a ball hit hard off a metal bat.
The accident happened in 2006, when Domalewski was 12 years old. Now at age 18 he's only just getting compensation.
The young man's family sued the bat manufacturer, a sporting goods chain, and the Little League organization for the injuries he suffered. The case settled on Wednesday for a sizable amount.
Domalewski was awarded $14.5 million in the settlement agreement. That seems like a lot for a Little League injury until you consider the extent of what happened.
He was hit in the chest by a line drive while standing on the pitcher's mound. Seconds later he went into cardiac arrest, reports Sports Illustrated. By the time paramedics arrived, his brain had been without oxygen for too long.
Domalewski now has serious brain injuries and can't perform daily life functions. The money will be used to care for him for the rest of his life.
The settlement doesn't allow parties to talk about the details or about if anyone accepted liability, the family lawyer told The Washington Post.
That's one of the advantages of a settlement. It allows parties to reach an agreement without anyone having to take legal blame. It can also help keep costs down since settling often makes a case end faster.
This case highlights the need to have a trusted lawyer with you every step of the way. Their lawyer's diligence is likely a large part of the reason the family was able to recover so much to care for Domalewski.
That's especially important given how long it took for this case to be resolved,
While Little League has previously approved metal bats as safe for children to use, this settlement could change some policies down the line. In the meantime, it ensures a lifetime of care for Steven Domalewski.
Related Resources:
- Woman Sues Kid in $500K Little League Lawsuit (FindLaw's Injured)
- Family Of Boy Injured By Line Drive Sues Aluminum Bat Maker Easton (The Chicago Personal Injury Law Blog)
- NY Mom Sent Death Threats to Little League Coach (FindLaw's Blotter)