Facts

William Jones and Eternitie Sullivan, accompanied by their 18-month-old son, went to the Van Nuys Courthouse West to dispute a traffic citation. While going through security, they were asked to remove their son from their stroller so that it could be scanned. At some point, the child walked to a nearby escalator and began climbing it. The child's right index finger became snagged in the escalator, resulting in a traumatic amputation of the finger at the middle phalanx.

Jones and Sullivan sued the county of Los Angeles, contending that the security personnel failed to act accordingly and did not prevent the incident. They also argued that the courthouse lobby was configured improperly.

The county argued that the parents were negligent because they were responsible for the custody and control of their child.

Damages

The plaintiffs sought $5,000 for medical costs and an unspecified amount for pain and suffering. The parents sought damages for emotional distress as a result of witnessing the injury to their child.

Injuries

The 18-month-old child suffered a traumatic amputation.

Result

The jury returned a defense verdict.

Deliberation

one hour

Poll

12-0 (no negligence of security officer and no dangerous condition of lobby)

Length

six days