Michael Frasier was invited to a Fourth of July cookout at the home of Robert and Laura O’Black. A large raft with a solid center was placed in the O’Blacks’ in-ground swimming pool, where Frasier and other guests were roughhousing.
Frasier dove onto the raft, propelled forward, and launched into the shallow end of the pool, striking his head. He suffered cervical spinal fractures and is now paralyzed from his chest down. His condition necessitated six or more surgeries, including two major neck surgeries.
Frasier sued the O’Blacks, alleging negligence and choosing not to warn of the dangerous conditions that existed. He asserted that the raft, which was designed to be used on open water, did not belong in a home swimming pool.
Frasier also maintained that the raft manufacturer warned against allowing diving onto the raft.
The O’Blacks argued that Frasier was solely to blame for his injuries.
The jury signed a verdict for $19 million, finding Frasier 30% liable for his own injuries.
The attorneys handling this case for Frasier were Michael W. Calder and John R. Perry.
Frasier v. O’Black, No. 3034 of 2015 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pleas Westmoreland County).
Kreisman Law Offices has been handling swimming pool accident cases, spinal injury lawsuits, cervical spine injury cases, catastrophic injury lawsuits, product liability cases and motorcycle accident lawsuits for individuals, families and loved ones who have been injured, harmed or killed by the carelessness or negligence of another for more than 45 years in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including Midlothian, St. Charles, Niles, Lockport, Morton Grove, Highland Park, Lincolnshire, Geneva, Fox River Grove, Evergreen Park, Des Plains, Cicero, Berwyn, Chicago (Rosehill, Roscoe Village, Ravenswood Manor, Prairie District, Printer’s Row, Old Town Triangle, Edgewater, East Garfield Park, Canaryville, Bridgeport, Belmont Cragin, Lincoln Square), Oak Lawn, Itasca, Villa Park, Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale and Joliet, Ill.
Robert D. Kreisman has been an active member of the Illinois and Missouri bars since 1976.
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