An Anaheim family filed a negligence lawsuit against the Los Angeles Angels baseball team after their pitcher Keynan Middleton fractured the skull of a 6-year-old boy, throwing a stray ball during the warm-up prior to the start of the game.
According to court documents, the events occurred on 15 September 2019, when the minor Bryson Galaz was walking behind his father in the front row of the Los Angels stadium approximately 90 minutes before game time .
Father and son headed to the Los Angels dugout to interact with players signing autographs and other memorabilia for fans.
At that time, Los Angeles Angels pitcher Keynan Middleton pitched a high-velocity ball toward Bryson and hit him on the left side of the skull.
Middleton, is known for throwing fastballs to more than 100 miles per hour.
The impact of the ball caused a fracture in Bryson’s skull and a hemorrhage in his brain.
The child suffered disabling traumatic brain injuries, physical pain, emotional suffering and mental anguish. He was treated on an emergency basis at Kaiser Hospital; and later transferred to Orange County Children’s Hospital.
“For three days, we didn’t know if my son was going to live or die,” said Beatrice Galaz, Bryson’s mother.
“We are relieved that he survived, but since that day he has struggled at school. It’s just not the same.”
Since the pitch, Bryson has had trouble paying attention at school and with social interaction.
Medical examinations have revealed abnormal brain activity, raising concerns about his long-term development, especially as school subjects become more complex.
It should be said that all the 05 Major League Baseball clubs were required to extend protective netting at least until the end of the benches before the season 2018-2019.
However, Los Angels fell behind the rest of the MLB by choosing not to extend safety nets beyond the dugout until the season 2020-21.
“The team’s approach to safety and this injury has been overwhelmingly cavalier,” Kyle said. Scott, family attorney.
“For months we tried to contact The Angels regarding this matter, but they completely ignored the family and the plight of a child who almost died. They created a danger that has had serious implications and they must take responsibility for their actions”.
For their part, Nick Rowley, founder of the organization Trial Lawyers for Justice, explained that the team of Los Angels invites children to appear before the games to meet the players.
“Children are directed to a specific place, which is dangerous and puts them at risk of facial fractures and brain injuries because fast balls are thrown in their direction,” he said.
“It is a reckless practice and unlike other teams, The Angelss did not extend the protective net that should have been there to protect the children, even after the Major Leagues warned them of this same danger.”
He held that at the stadium of Los Angels, the game of win or lose, is not only on the field but also in the stands, since the absence of adequate protections means that permanent or even fatal injuries can occur at any time.
“The child we defend did not go to the game to put himself at risk. His near-fatal, permanent brain injury is not something he or his parents have signed up for.”
Los Angeles spokeswoman Marie Garvey said they could not comment. on demand; and at the time the incident was reported in the press, they were unaware of the litigation.
It is pertinent to clarify that the pitcher Middleton not part of lawsuit; and at the end of the season 2020, he left the Los Angels team when they refused offer you a new contract. Now he is released with the Diamondbacks of Arizona, a minor league baseball team.
At the time of the pitch, the player went to lend help the minor when he saw him crying, and then people from the team asked for help.
Attorney Scott said an officer contacted the family after the incident via email, but when they asked for help paying medical bills, they did not respond.
In the lawsuit that was filed this month in Orange County Superior Court, the family alleges that the team could have done more, putting a net on the sides of the field of game; while arguing that players should not throw balls during warm-up sessions in areas where fans can be hit, especially when the team encourages them to arrive early to meet team members.
With the complaint, the family mainly seeks compensation for medical expenses.