A lawsuit over an accident at Palo Alto's outdoor ice rink was filed Friday in Santa Clara County Superior Court, Palo Alto Online reported. The suit names the California State PTA, Winter Lodge and the City of Palo Alto.
What the suit alleges
According to the complaint, an 8-year-old boy was at the Barron Park PTA ice skating party on Jan. 24 when an adult skater, who hasn't been identified, skated over his hand and cut off his little finger. Doctors tried to reattach it, but the surgery didn't work, and the boy later needed a revision amputation.
The suit says the only person watching the ice was an employee who was a minor, and that there was no barrier keeping beginners apart from other skaters. It argues the defendants let an unscreened adult skate recklessly among children.
Palo Alto Online reported that the family filed a claim with the city in May, which the city denied before the lawsuit was filed. The case is listed as unlimited civil, meaning more than $35,000 is at stake. Hoodline said the suit seeks past and future medical costs and legal fees.
None of the defendants' responses had been reported as of Tuesday. A lawsuit tells one side, and the claims haven't been tested in court.