NC city reaches $4M settlement with family of 5-year-old girl who nearly drowned in pool
The family of a little girl who almost drowned at the Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center has settled a lawsuit against the city for $4.2 million.
On June 9, 2022, the then-5-year-old girl went under the water while swimming in the city-owned pool with her family.
The girl was rescued after a few minutes but suffered “permanent and disabling injuries,” according to a complaint her family filed in Union County Superior Court last month. A news release from the family’s attorney, Larry Serbin, said she suffered brain damage.
The girl’s family will have medical expenses for the rest of her life, the complaint said.
The complaint alleged that the city of Monroe was negligent by failing to maintain a safe premises, not adequately staffing the pool with trained lifeguards and failing to provide adequate warnings about potential hazards.
Superior Court Judge Matthew Smith approved the settlement on Monday.
The settlement intends to give the girl and her family the support they need to face challenges ahead, according to the news release from Serbin.
“This case is a stark reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance in public spaces, especially where children are involved,” Serbin said in the news release. “Our goal was to secure the best possible outcome for this young girl and her family, and we are grateful that we could achieve a settlement that will help provide for her long-term care and support.”
