A couple from Springfield, Pennsylvania, has taken legal action against their local school district over a hazardous sidewalk condition that led to severe injuries. Heather and Jeffrey Lawler filed a complaint on September 4, 2024, in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas against the Springfield Township School District.
According to the complaint filed by The Curran Firm, P.C., representing the Lawlers, Heather Lawler was walking her dog on March 11, 2024, when she tripped over a raised and uneven portion of the sidewalk near Orchard Road and Leamy Avenue. The fall resulted in a nondisplaced fracture of her left thumb's distal phalanx. Despite seeking immediate medical attention at Patient First in Springfield and subsequent follow-ups at Rothman Orthopaedics, her injury worsened, necessitating surgery on March 22, 2024.
The lawsuit alleges that the Springfield Township School District failed in its duty to maintain safe premises for pedestrians. The plaintiffs claim that there were no warnings or signs indicating the dangerous condition of the sidewalk. They argue that the school district knew or should have known about the hazard but neglected to take appropriate measures to rectify it. "Defendant allowed or caused the subject sidewalk to become raised," reads part of the complaint, highlighting negligence on part of the school district.
Heather Lawler's injuries are described as severe and debilitating, including permanent damage and emotional distress. Her husband Jeffrey is also claiming loss of consortium due to his wife's injuries affecting their marital relationship. The couple seeks damages exceeding the jurisdictional arbitration limit for medical expenses, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
The case is being handled by attorneys Francis J. Curran Jr. and Ryan F. Curran from The Curran Firm, P.C.