Meyers & Flowers trial attorneys Craig Brown and Lauren Edmunds recently filed a lawsuit against Rocky Glen OHV Park, a Rockford-based recreational off-highway-vehicle riding facility, after an 11-year-old child sustained permanent and severe injuries to his left hand while riding in a UTV at the park.
Rocky Glen Park spans 120 acres and features over 20 miles of trails and tracks, offering several trail options for riders to choose from. The park also has several rules for safety, one being that all riders under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a legal guardian on all tracks and trails.
On July 2, 2022, Jack* visited the park with his mother and other family and friends to enjoy a day of riding. While operating a side-by-side unaccompanied by a legal guardian and without appropriate safety equipment, Jack’s vehicle flipped on its side, amputating four of Jack’s fingers on his left hand.
“Jack’s accident could have been entirely prevented had the park properly enforced their own safety rules and ensured all children were accompanied by a legal guardian while operating dangerous vehicles,” Craig Brown stated. “All they had to do was not allow an 11-year-old boy to drive a dangerous side by side vehicle on their track without any adult supervision. Jack was just too young and too inexperienced for the track he was on when his side by side flipped over and crushed his hand.”
Following the tragic accident, Jack had emergency surgery in an attempt to reattach his 4 fingers, but the surgery was unsuccessful and now Jack’s thumb is his only finger on his left hand. “Not only did Jack suffer unimaginable pain,” said Lauren Edmunds, “but his severe injuries have left him permanently disfigured and disabled for the rest of his life.”
The lawsuit was recently filed in the Circuit Court of Winnebago County and seeks to hold Rock Glen, LLC accountable for Jack’s severe and permanent bodily injuries.
Putting our clients first is at the forefront of everything we do at Meyers & Flowers. Our firm demands justice for those who have been forced to endure unnecessary hardships and injuries. If you or a loved one have been a victim of negligence, please contact our team of experienced personal injury attorneys at 630-232-6333 or online to request a free case evaluation.
*Name has been changed for privacy and confidentiality purposes.