A horrific accident occurred during the Little League World Series tournament in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. A 12-year-old player fell out of his bunk bed at the Little League dormitory and sustained critical injuries.
Easton Oliverson was sent to a local children’s hospital via a life flight, and he was treated for an epidural hematoma and fractured skull. He underwent several surgeries and was placed in a medically induced coma. He faces a long road to recovery. His family is suing the league and the bed manufacturer for their negligence and role in their son’s injuries. Bunk beds are required by federal regulation to have at least two guard rails, and the beds in the dorm did not.
Easton’s parents filed the suit in state court in Pennsylvania on September 16, 2022. They are seeking at least $50,000 in compensatory and punitive damages. The counts against the league and Savoy Contract Furniture, the bunk bed manufacturer, are negligence and liability.
According to the suit, both the Little League and Savoy are responsible for Easton’s injuries because they failed to have rails on the bed, which allowed him to fall. Court documents state Easton’s parents claims: “Savoy designed, manufactured, distributed, marketed, and/or sold the bunk beds in a dangerous and defective condition in that they did not contain every element necessary to make them safe for their intended use.”
According to the suit, because of the fall Easton sustained “significant and permanent injuries.” This all could have been prevented if federal regulations were followed. A lawyer representing the family spoke to CNN about the lawsuit.
Ken Fulginiti, the attorney representing the family, stated, “A bunk bed is any bed higher than 30 inches off the floor. This bunk bed was approximately 60 inches high and did not have any rails, in violation of federal regulations.”
Little League Baseball Inc. has declined to comment on the lawsuit at this time. The league did issue a statement to CNN after the accident. It spoke about why the bunk beds had no safety guard rails.
“Since 1992, Little League has used institutional-style bunk beds to offer the most space for the players to enjoy their time in the dorms. While these beds do not have guard rails, Little League is unaware of any serious injuries ever occurring during that period of time.” This policy has changed since Easton’s accident.
The beds are no longer raised bunk beds. They are instead normal single beds on the floor. “Out of an abundance of caution, Little League has made the decision to remove all bunks from within the dorms and have each bed frame individually on the floor.”
Easton remained in the Pennsylvania hospital for two weeks. He was then stable enough to be transferred to his home state of Utah, recovering in a children's hospital in Salt Lake City. He was released from the hospital on September 19, 2022, to return home. There is an Instagram account updating people on his recovery.
Since news of his accident made headlines, many famous sports figures have reached out to give their well-wishes for a speedy recovery. Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts made an Instagram video for Easton. He stated that he was praying for and thinking about Easton. He also stated he hoped to see him soon.
The well-wishers were not just fellow baseball players. The Brigham Young University football team also got in on the action. They recorded an Instagram video message for Easton as well.
Not to be outdone, the Yankees also recorded their own well-wishes. Third baseman Matt Carpenter represented the team. Easton has many people supporting his recovery.
