Personal Injury Law

A young girl who had her part of her lower intestines ripped out by an uncovered pool drain last summer has died. Six-year-old Abigail Taylor was in the wading pool at the Minneapolis Gold Club last June when she sat, or got stuck, over the uncovered drain. Twenty-one feet of her intestine was sucked from her body. The cover was reportedly moved, or had gone missing, when the accident occurred. Due to her injuries, Abigail endured several reconstructive surgeries and transplants that lead to a cancerous condition that ultimately killed her.

Change in Lawsuit

Abigail's family had originally sued the Minneapolis Golf Club and the manufacturer of the pool drain, Devlan, Wisconsin-based Sta-Rite, for personal injury. Since Abigail has died, the suit will likely become one of wrongful death. Experts have said that this will likely bring down the amount the Taylor family can claim in the suit.

The Taylor family's lawyer, Bob Bennett, stated that Sta-Rite "knew their pumps carried the risk of evisceration," but did nothing to eliminate the defect. He referenced three other cases where children were injured by the company's drain covers becoming detached, as well as internal memos stating that warning labels alone were insufficient. Pentair, Inc., which now owns Sta-Rite, has said the lawsuit is without merit and blames the Minneapolis Golf Club for Abigail's injuries.

Medical Bills Piling Up

Because of the nature of Abigail's injuries, the Taylor family incurred an enormous amount of medical bills. She would have required daily medical care for the rest of her life, and the Taylors estimated that it would have cost $30 million to cover those plus living expenses had she lived.

This case covers the fields of product defect and wrongful death now. However, if any good has come out of this tragedy it's that legislation has been passed that bans the manufacture, sale and distribution of pool drains that do not meet required safety standards. Minnesota lawmakers are also considering legislation for new pool safety standards.

If you, or a loved one, have been grievously injured due to a defective product, please contact an experienced injury lawyer in your area.