Family Of Boy Hit By Bat Suing Louisville Slugger

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Posted: 11:25 AM May 17, 2008
Last Updated: 11:25 AM May 17, 2008

46 comments

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WAYNE, N.J. (AP) - The family of a New Jersey teen is suing the makers of a Louisville Slugger metal bat that caused an injury leaving the boy disabled.

Steven Domalewski was struck in a chest by a baseball that came off a metal bat during a baseball game less than two years ago. Doctors say the impact stopped Domalewski's heart and caused brain damage.

The family plans to file a lawsuit Monday in state Superior Court in Passaic County, naming Hillerich & Bradsby Co., maker of the Louisville Slugger TPX Platinum bat. It will name Little League Baseball, and the Sports Authority, which sold the bat. It claims the defendants knew, or should have known, that the bat was dangerous for children to use.

Hillerich & Bradsby says the injury Domalewski sustained happens more frequently in baseball from thrown balls than batted ones.

AP-NY-05-17-08 1052EDT

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: RALPH Location: PIKEVILLE on May 20, 2008 at 07:35 PM
YANKEE BLUENECKS LOOKING FOR SOME QUICK CASH. THINK I'LL SUE THE HORSESHOE COMPANY FOR MY PARTNER PITCHING THAT HORSESHOE AROUND MY LEG INSTEAD OF THE STAKE. DOES NOT ANYONE IN THE WORLD WANT TO TAKE THE BLAME FOR THE MISTAKES THEY MAKE????????

Posted by: ME;ISSA Location: CORBIN on May 20, 2008 at 04:48 PM
I THINK THAT IF ANYONE GETS SUED IT SHOULD BE THE PERSON THAT BOUGHT IT THEY SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER THEN TO LET CHILDREN PLAY WITH IT OR BE AROUND SOMETHING LIKE THAT

Posted by: Justin Location: Lexinton, KY on May 20, 2008 at 03:32 PM
This is a VERY VERY VERY stupid thing to sue for and I hope that the judge does the right thing and throws this out! It's sad what happened to their son but it was an accident is all. End of story.

Posted by: Chris Location: Portland, Oregon on May 20, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Why not sue the inventor of baseball? It's because of his GROSS NEGLIGENCE that injuries in baseball occur, and have occured for over 100 years, much to the delight of millions of fans. As a matter of fact, why not sue all the fans of baseball as well? They're supporting this BARBARIC pasttime!

Posted by: Greh Location: middlesboro on May 20, 2008 at 07:21 AM
HELLO...sue the baseball maker. The ball hit the boy, not the bat. Dont blame the bat.

Posted by: Wesley Location: Pike Co Ky on May 20, 2008 at 01:38 AM
This is stupid.. if i was the judge id laugh these ppl out of the courtroom.. what ppl will do for money.. go as low as makin themselves look like dumb asses..

Posted by: ladonna Location: lexingtgon on May 19, 2008 at 10:09 PM
my son has played ball for years and yes he has used many diffrent bats .accidents happen every day i think this is just that an accident .look at this way you still have your son or maybe you should have not did cpr on him and let nature take it course if he is that handicapped thank god you have him with you and be carefull about your decisions about lawsuit god good take him due to greed

Posted by: Floyd Location: floyd county on May 19, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Well I guess sueing has taken over for baseball as americas favorite past time. pitifull.

Posted by: Barry Location: floyd county on May 19, 2008 at 07:16 PM
Maybe the boys parents should sue themselves for having him their. Or sue the manufacturer of the car they used to drive him their! Or sue God for making the boy that threw the ball that hit the bat that hit their son! (see where I'm going with this?) when will this lawsuit fever stop? enough is ENOUGH! get a life!!

Posted by: charlie Location: Elkhorn on May 19, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Why not sue the batter for hitting the ball? Why not just sue everybody!! I guess I don't understand why the bat maker is being sued. In fact I don't know why anyone is being sued. It was an unfortunate accident and whether it was a metal bat or a wood bat should be no difference. My sympathy to the family but they do not deserve a dime from anyone.

Posted by: kymom Location: lex on May 19, 2008 at 01:42 PM
Maybe someone needs to give the pafrents an up-close and personal look at one of those bats. Maybe it would knock some sense into them! What kind of example are they setting for their children?! This just shows that parents are teaching their children to do what they can to make an easy dollar, even if it means being stupid and making themselves look like the greedy no-good lazy bums that they are!

Posted by: k Location: london,ky on May 19, 2008 at 11:32 AM
the only reason people sue is because the companies that are being sued usually settle out of court for x amount of dollars..i think companies need to start fighting these stupid stupid lawsuits and then people will maybe stop suing over dumb stuff. i wonder if these people, along with all the other people who sued over stupid stuff, realize how bad this makes them look...everyone out for the easy buck...very pathetic :(

Posted by: Regina Location: Barbourville on May 19, 2008 at 10:54 AM
What the parents need to understand is that this accident was no surprise to God. He has a plan to work everything out. They need to seek his will and everything else will fall into place . . . including their finances and happiness!

Posted by: Goebel Location: Lexington on May 19, 2008 at 10:07 AM
The judge should put the parents in jail for thirty days for clogging up the court system.

Posted by: Street Surviver Location: Kentucky on May 19, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Folks, Folks, Folks, The Good Book speaks of greed. How in the world can these people hold a bat responsible for this? I will agree with everyone in reference to this child being hurt I wish it would not have happened, I don't like to see any child getting injured. I'm surprised they are not suing the child that hit the ball. I played sports all my life and you will get hurt there is just no way around it and before we could even start practicing our parents had to sign a affidavit stating the little league association was by no means responsible for any injuries. This falls back on the discussion the other day on people taking advantage of every opportunity and person they can. I'll just be honest I'm lost for words on this issue. I guess STUPID would be a good word. Good Bye!!!!

Posted by: Baseball Fanatic Location: Lex on May 19, 2008 at 08:00 AM
I wonder how many times their son swung that same bat? If the parents are so sure the bat was "lethal" why did they allow him to play in a league in which those bats are used? People have been hurt by balls being hit off of WOODEN bats for quite some time. On 7 May 1957, Cleveland Indians pitcher Herb Score was hit in the eye by a line drive hit by Gil McDougald. Herb Score was never the same and his career ended that day even though he tried to make a comeback but never regained the greatness that he once had. What if it were a wooden bat and the bat broke and a sharp piece of wood impaled their son? They'd still sue even though wooden bats break all the time. I feel sorry for the boy but I guess we can also say that "Dad" should have taught his son a bit more defensive skills and he might have caught the ball with his glove instead of his chest. That statement sounds as stupid as the lawsuit they filed doesn't it? My work is done...walk off home run by me...LOL!

Posted by: A Mother Location: Ky on May 19, 2008 at 07:58 AM
My kid played t-ball all of it's childhood. He was hit by bats, balls, and even ran over by other players on the field. I never once considered suing anyone. How stupid of these parents. Granted, they have alot on their plate.I feel sorry for them and for the shape their child is in. But to sue over it?All that shows is greed!The same as the bus crash a few weeks ago that took the life of a 16 year old boy. Accidents happen on a daily basis and they should be thankful that their child is still here with them.

Posted by: Heather Location: Somerset on May 19, 2008 at 06:13 AM
I first want to say my deepest sympathys to the family..... but get real! Freak accidents happen all the time and I stress the word accident. I know the care for him is going to be expensive but going after the bat company and the Little League company is not the way to pay for it. Things happen. I hope they are laughed at in court. What is this world coming to if this really goes through. Just goes to show you how greedy the citizens of our country are getting.

Posted by: Chuck Location: Bluegrass on May 18, 2008 at 11:33 PM
My sympathy to the family, but please, you can't blame everthing and everybody. Your loss was bad, but it was an accident. Let him rest in peace by getting some peace yourself.

Posted by: steve on May 18, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Man oh man sorry for the boy but the slugger should sue the idiot parents (edited).

Posted by: Rachel on May 18, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Although it is sad and unfortunate what happened to their son, it isn't the bat makers, LLB or the seller of the bats fault. What kind of bat was the boy using when his team was up for bat, probably a metal or aluminium because they hit the ball farther just like the other team. Both are in to win.

Posted by: Rob Location: London on May 18, 2008 at 08:18 PM
My dog is going to have puppies,I think I will sue God for making her a female.....same difference,it would be just as stupid!

Posted by: Richard Hartzel Location: Louisville KY on May 18, 2008 at 06:24 PM
This is whats wrong with America, people who sue over freak accidents. What happens when a kid gets hit by a ball from a wooden bat, no more baseball. I feel bad for the family, but if you ask me a bloodsucking lawyer got wind of the story and talked the family into a bogus lawsuit. They should recieve absolutly no money what so ever!!!! And the stupid lawyer should be banned for sucking off a family in bad times. The federal government needs to put a end to these lawsuits, before we're not allowed to do anything anymore.

Posted by: paul Location: pikeville on May 18, 2008 at 05:01 PM
may God bless the boy , but sue louisville slugger why not the maker of the baseball also. and the boy that hit the ball, and might as well sue who ever built the baseball field. come on people what is next

Posted by: henry Location: letcher on May 18, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Maybe the parents of these parents should be sued for conceiving such stupid people.

Posted by: Zatoichi Location: Richmond on May 18, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Who is the attorney for the family...John Edwards? Seems like a case suited especially for his brand of law. call the man...Melbourne Mills..oops..forgot he's in jail.

Posted by: j on May 18, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Sad the boy is injured but come on..what's next, we start suing the lumber company's if we're injured in a housefire because they should have known it could catch fire. Too many frivelous lawsuits and too many lawyers who lack morals.

Posted by: Duh Location: Knott on May 18, 2008 at 09:49 AM
After the parent's lawsuit is settled, the boy should sue his parents for allowing him to play baseball.

Posted by: Little League Mom Location: Kentucky on May 18, 2008 at 09:22 AM
OMG. People will sue over anything these days. Did the parents not know that injuries can occur when playing sports. It may be a tragic event but accidents happen all the time.

Posted by: Karen Location: Lexington, KY on May 18, 2008 at 09:16 AM
I will have to say that this is the most frivolous lawsuit I have heard f in a while. I think that the mother must be related to the lady in the McDonald's lawsuit. I guess we should start suing the car makers when it comes to fatal accidents too, shouldn't we? I hope that the judge laughs in this lady's face when she steps in front of him. WAY TO GO LADY, you just earned my dumbest person of the year award.

Posted by: David Location: Kentucky on May 18, 2008 at 07:42 AM
So sad to hear about this young boys life and future. How can parents of a child sue the Louisville Slugger Bat Co for this? Why don't the parents sue the maker of the baseball as well for the ball being too hard? This is a stupid lawsuit. Again I hate to hear about him being disable but it's not the bat companies fault.

Posted by: JJ on May 18, 2008 at 03:47 AM
The boy was hit by the BASEBALL, not the baseball bat itself, story is deceiving.

Posted by: Henry on May 18, 2008 at 12:15 AM
This is ridiculous. too many lawyers too much , not my fault mentality and somebody's got to be the blame. I am suing the parents for allowing the child to play a potentially dangerous, life threatening sport without proper protective armor.

Posted by: jimmy Location: eastern ky on May 18, 2008 at 12:11 AM
this is one of the dumbest suings i have ever heard of. in this case there should be a counter lawsuit against the family for having the child at a baseball game knowing it could be dangerous!!!!!!!

Posted by: Big 'C' Location: Breathitt Co. on May 17, 2008 at 11:00 PM
I think the parents should have known that baseball, almost any other sport, or even just crossing the street is dangerous. Maybe they ought to sue themselves for letting the boy play a dangerous game to begin with. This is another case of somebody being sue happy. I'm sorry to hear about this tragic accident but it is nobodies fault this happened.

Posted by: no wonder on May 17, 2008 at 09:15 PM
no wonder our insurance and etc...cost so much because everyone wants to sue for everything...i am sorry for the injury causing the boy to be disabled but i also believe if you let your children play sports you have to expect the unexpected can happen. You can walk out of the house and fall down and be seriously hurt. Freak accidents happen and this is one of them. It is sad but there is no need to sue the ball bat company. This world has gotten so greedy!!!!!!

Posted by: Tom Location: Los Angeles on May 17, 2008 at 07:38 PM
This law suit is as tragic as the boys injuries. Money will not ease the parents sorrow. Perhaps they should also sue the rancher whose cow was made into the ball. I want to hear from an attorney as to why this suit is valid.

Posted by: Jon Location: Versailles on May 17, 2008 at 07:38 PM
How the heck can you file suit against a company that simply provided the tools to play the Sport that you enrolled your own child in? If you are crazy enough to go after them why stop there? Go after the makers of the baseball too. I can't believe this - yeah there is a risk - That's why they wear helmets too! - There is a risk in everything that we do - if I choke while eating can I go after the grocery store? I hate to hear about bad things that happen to kids and this is a horrible to happen to child who was playing a sport that I'm sure he loved.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 17, 2008 at 07:10 PM
here we go again. Lets just sue everybody. His parents are more at fault than anyone... they are the ones that signed him up to play ball. Just got an idea let's sue the condom makers and the drug stores that sold them for college tuition for all the children that were concieved because the condom broke.

Posted by: Bridge Location: Eastern Ky on May 17, 2008 at 06:51 PM
Oh, come on!!!!! Get over yourself, lets not forget to also add the parents to the list being sued, they gave the boy permission to play. This madness needs to stop. Lets see who can I sue????????

Posted by: Scott Location: Lexington on May 17, 2008 at 06:13 PM
Are you kidding me? Next thing you know, we will be buying bats with a warnings printed on them, much like on the coffee cup you get from McDonalds, they need to be hit with a bat.

Posted by: Wow Location: RIchmond on May 17, 2008 at 05:47 PM
Suin the bat company not the team that used it or the kids family who swung or through it. Obviously because they want real money. Every shmuck sues anytime something happens to them these days.

Posted by: herwego Location: georgetown on May 17, 2008 at 02:53 PM
How ridiculous! I'm sure the boy needs some financial assistance for lifetime disability, but this isn't the right way to get it. Kids play with baseball bats, sometimes they get hurt. When are people going to just accept the fact that getting injured is part of life. Should I sue the lumber company that supplied the wood for my deck just because I got a splinter? Same thing...I'm so sick of this mentality.

Posted by: LT Location: KY on May 17, 2008 at 01:58 PM
GIVE ME A BREAK IT SEEMS EVERYBODY WANT TO FIND A WAY TO MAKE MONEY THE KID NEW THERES ALWAYS A CHANCE SOMEONE GETTING HURT JUST LIKE FOOTBALL I GUESS PEPLE WII SUE CAUSE THE FOOTBALL BROKE A BONE COME ON PEOPLE THINK HOW STUPED THIS SOUNDS AND TELL THAT LAWYER TO QUIT TRYING TO MAKE ALL THIS MONEY

Posted by: Clay Location: Richmond on May 17, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Anything for a buck, cash the kid in

Posted by: Fred Location: Lexington on May 17, 2008 at 12:43 PM
If this family is this STUPID, maybe the bats should be applied to their heads. This is a JOKE!

Posted by: Doug Location: London on May 17, 2008 at 11:44 AM
What kind of crap is this? Am I to understand that the boy was hit by a ball that was hit by this bat during the course of a game. Isn't that a hazard of the game? I am confused!!!

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