Chicago, June 15, 2022 – Smith LaCien LLP announces the $10 million settlement in a case involving a man who cannot walk due to a spinal injury he suffered while playing bubble ball at a Chicago suburban park district.

Collin Hogan was 15 when his accident occurred at a birthday party on July 8, 2017. The Schaumburg Park District let the party use its facility and equipment for the game.

Parents had to sign a release, agreeing that the park district was exempt from liability for an injury or death.

Hogan and his mother arrived late, and although she signed the release, the complaint alleged that Hogan wasn’t properly instructed. During a timeout, a bit of “horseplay” began with some of the players still inside and others outside of the balls. Hogan had removed his bubble ball.

Hogan maintained he ran headfirst into a friend who was in a ball. The impact resulted in an injury to Hogan’s spinal cord. He remains unable to walk. Hogan’s family brought a lawsuit against the park district and the distributor of bubble balls Peak Healthcare Advisors, LLC, doing business as Battle Balls. The complaint alleged negligence and willful and wanton action.

The Cook County judge who presided over the case entered the settlement on May 27, 2022. To learn more about the case, check out the news story in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

Hogan was represented by Chicago lawyer Todd A. Smith and Brian LaCien, founding partners of Smith LaCien LLP. The Schaumburg Park District and Battle Balls were represented by separate law firms. The case is Hogan v. Schaumburg Park District, et al., No. 2017 L 7523.

Smith LaCien is located at 70 W. Madison, Suite 2250, Chicago, IL 60602; website www.smithlacien.com, phone (312) 509-8900, email: info@smithlacien.com. For more information, contact Chris Ruys, chris@chrisruys.com, 312-337-7746 (office), or 312-259-3495 (mobile).