Parents of Toddler Crushed By Iron Gate in Chicago File Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In Illinois, the parents of a 3-year-old that died after being crushed by an iron gate have filed a Chicago wrongful death lawsuit against Urban Property Advisors, a private management company that oversees rowhouses for the Chicago Housing Authority.
Curtis Cooper was riding his tricycle on Cambridge Avenue in Cabrini Green on the afternoon of June 27, when an iron fence fell on him. His father, Clayton Wade, says, “I saw his head smashed in with the gate.”
Five or six men tried to pull the heavy gate off the boy. Curtis was later pronounced dead at Children’s Memorial Hospital. An autopsy found that Curtis died from cranio-cerebral injuries.
The lawsuit is asking for damages over $50,000. The gate reportedly had hinges on it that had been rusted through. It failed a building inspection conducted on June 30.
Premises Liability
It is the responsibility of all Illinois property owners and managers to make sure that there are no hazardous conditions on a premise that could cause serious injury or death to a resident, patron, or visitor of a property. Failure to fulfill this duty can be grounds for a premises liability or wrongful death claim or lawsuit.
Examples of conditions that can lead to a Chicago premises liability or wrongful death claim or lawsuit:
• Carbon monoxide leaks
• Slippery or uneven floors
• Poorly lit hallways
• Defective appliances on the property
• Electrical hazards
Premises liability accidents can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, burn injuries, slip and fall injuries, injuries from a violent crime, and death.
Family of boy killed in gate accident files lawsuit, Chicagotribune.com, July 2, 2008
Toddler Crushed By Gate, CBS2Chicago.com, June 28, 2008
Related Web Resources:
Wrongful Death Act, Illinois General Assembly
