Parents blame emergency responders for son’s death
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 10:46 AM PDT
By The Associated Press
Printable version
E-mail this articleOLYMPIA — The parents of an 8-year-old boy who was fatally injured on the Fourth of July last year are blaming Thurston County emergency responders.
The parents filed a claim Monday saying that damages could exceed $47 million.
The boy, Devan Vyborny, was struck in the chest by shrapnel when an 18-inch cannon fired by his grandfather exploded near Rochester.
The claim says Medic One personnel appeared not to know which medical devices to use and they were slow to take Devan to a hospital. The claim says 911 dispatchers canceled an airlift.
Thurston County spokesman John Tennis says it’s too early to discuss the claim.
Littlerock Deputy Fire Chief Gary Kerker said the crew responded in minutes and did everything they could for the boy.
scratch007 wrote on Sep 24, 2008 10:50 AM:
" Sounds like ole grandpa is to be blamed, not the people trying to help... "
Rural Citizen wrote on Sep 24, 2008 10:55 AM:
" No responsibility for the grandfather with the cannon?
Just make it the responsibility of the Heroes who tried to save their grandchild?
I am sure if I arrived on the scene and saw a tiny child with SHRAPNEL extruding from his CHEST it would take a bit of time to figure out how to stabilize and transport.
Because the person who CAUSED this unfortunate event (it was not an accident; there are studies showing what he did is irresponsible and poses great risk of explosion)... can not face his own responsibility the people of the entire county have to loose their emergency response?
I would love to sit on THAT jury and say HECK NO. "
Just make it the responsibility of the Heroes who tried to save their grandchild?
I am sure if I arrived on the scene and saw a tiny child with SHRAPNEL extruding from his CHEST it would take a bit of time to figure out how to stabilize and transport.
Because the person who CAUSED this unfortunate event (it was not an accident; there are studies showing what he did is irresponsible and poses great risk of explosion)... can not face his own responsibility the people of the entire county have to loose their emergency response?
I would love to sit on THAT jury and say HECK NO. "
Pinky wrote on Sep 24, 2008 11:05 AM:
" Cuz I am sure that the emergency responders went home just thrilled that they could not save a life that day... I hope these people realize that money will not end their grief or bring back their little boy!! "
Phred wrote on Sep 24, 2008 11:08 AM:
" So if the EMTs didn't respond would the child be alive today? I doubt it. Are they trying to make the system better, or just trying to line their pockets? Maybe gramps should pony up the $47 million? "
Just a person wrote on Sep 24, 2008 12:31 PM:
" Since when does a child's delivery cost $47 Million. When is the $47 million price tag added to life. I sure hope that money can buy back their son life. It's very unfortunate. I am very sorry for their lose. But really! "
cuz wrote on Sep 24, 2008 12:54 PM:
" Yeah, sue grandpa, he is the one who killed the boy, not the EMT's. I hope he was charged with illegal fireworks too. "
country gal wrote on Sep 24, 2008 1:13 PM:
" $47 millions? Who got $47 millions? If this goes on trial, who's paying for it? I'm sorry for the family who lost their precious child but this is not the way to go. "
#1 kelso mom wrote on Sep 24, 2008 1:50 PM:
" I truly am sorry for the loss of this precious life that was taken, but that is not the reason for GRANDPA to BLAME the medics for responding to an accident that HE created. It is not the medics fault...GRANDDAD....NEEDS TO TAKE A LOOK IN THE MIRROR!!!! "
Atrucker wrote on Sep 24, 2008 1:50 PM:
" When you over load a cannon to the extent that it blows up. UH some one either has no idea what he is doing or was pushing the envelope of safe operation . There are lots of black powder events each year and none of this sort of thing happens , I think pops over loaded his shooter ! To prehaps to show off. Bad idea uh pops ? "
lola*in*longview wrote on Sep 24, 2008 2:30 PM:
" Ummm, I agree, whta about the grandpa? I am sure the cannon was ilegal, what were you thinking having your son near it knowing what it was and the damage it can do. The emergency responders are life savers, they are not to blame here. It it tragic that your son had to die but suing the paramedic is not going to give you the answers you are seeking, only God can do that. "
nickandholly wrote on Sep 24, 2008 3:14 PM:
" Did anybody read this part????? The claim says Medic One personnel appeared not to know which medical devices to use and they were slow to take Devan to a hospital. The claim says 911 dispatchers canceled an airlift. Hello, yah grampa did wrong but canceling an airlift when it is deperately needed. Maybe this wouldn't have saved his life but it sure would have been worth the try. It would have shown the parents that they really did do everything possible to try and save his life. If none of you have lost a child you have no idea what these people are going through. "
country gal wrote on Sep 24, 2008 3:24 PM:
" I think it's time to clean house in the judicial system. A lot of taxpayers money are being wasted on ridiculous and frivolous lawsuits. It's time people start taking responsibilities of their own action. "
DUH wrote on Sep 24, 2008 3:42 PM:
" nickandholly...
" Did anybody read this part????? The claim says Medic One personnel appeared not to know which medical devices to use and they were slow to take Devan to a hospital. The claim says 911 dispatchers canceled an airlift." Do you think it possible that the child was already dead when paramedics arrived? Maybe because of the metal in his chest they couldn't have used the paddles? Maybe CPR would have pushed the metal deeper into his chest? Life Flight is not needed to transport a dead body. We don't know. There was a lot of information left out of this story. You are too quick to jump to conclusions. "
" Did anybody read this part????? The claim says Medic One personnel appeared not to know which medical devices to use and they were slow to take Devan to a hospital. The claim says 911 dispatchers canceled an airlift." Do you think it possible that the child was already dead when paramedics arrived? Maybe because of the metal in his chest they couldn't have used the paddles? Maybe CPR would have pushed the metal deeper into his chest? Life Flight is not needed to transport a dead body. We don't know. There was a lot of information left out of this story. You are too quick to jump to conclusions. "
the Grateful Dad wrote on Sep 24, 2008 5:02 PM:
" Grandpa and the parents are the ones who are responsible. Too many times people just refuse to accept responsibility for their own foolish actions, instead, trying to fix the blame on others. Ambulance chasing attorneys make these people even more dangerous! This is sick and disgusting. Our insurance premiums would be MUCH lower if people would start accepting their own responsibilities, and STOP BLAMING OTHERS FOR THEIR OWN FOOLISH BEHAVIOR! It is sad that they lost their son, but the blame for the loss of the boy's life goes no farther than his parents and grandfather. PERIOD. "
Rosey Glasses wrote on Sep 24, 2008 5:14 PM:
" And now you know why our country is in the shape it is... Insurance companies and Lawyers... People who will sue for the sole fact of doing it... to gain money for something they don't deserve! It is insane! I blame the above mentioned people and the greedy people that hire them for the state of our economy right now... get real people... take responsibility for your actions and quit expecting a free ride! "
julietorell wrote on Sep 24, 2008 5:55 PM:
" Heartbreaking, I'm sure for the grandpa, however his grief must be clouding his judgment. He alone is responsible for the fatal accident. Responders, etc. were not the cause, but were trying to help. No amount of money nor blaming others will ease the pain of losing a child, and no amount of time will heal the pain either. Better for him to go on in life, holding onto the precious memories of the child, not seeking any compensation, and forgiving himself for the accident, which was caused by his negligence. "
AnotherLameOpinion wrote on Sep 24, 2008 7:41 PM:
" I think that's one thing that has become really wrong in this country. Everything always has to be someones fault. There is no such thing as an accident anymore. I think life has risks, and people should just accept that. You could get killed crossing the street. While I am very sad for their loss, I think it would be completely innapropriate for them to profit off of their sons' death. "
Plato wrote on Sep 24, 2008 7:47 PM:
" These are some pretty sharp comments when it is obvious not all of the facts have been reported. That in it's self should be reason enough to show some restraint. "
viper wrote on Sep 24, 2008 7:47 PM:
" lets see if I get this right : You want to sue the people of Washington for 47 million for your grandpa playing with explosives and killing his grandson! when the grandpa shouldn't of been playing with something he has no UNDERSTANDING oF! Who was supervising grandpa? people I sorry for your loss but Grandpa is the guilty one here not the medics. I used to work with them they do not stop trying to help someone that injured they take there job very seriously don't blame them for your sons loss. put the blame where it belongs on Grandpa : Viper "
SPARROW wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:15 PM:
" I'm sure if the person responsible for igniting this ilegal device were anyone other than the grandfather, this lawsuit would have been directed at them for causing the death due to their negligence. The family would have probably also insisted that criminal charges be filed for any stranger that would have fired an ilegal canon resulting in the death of their son. This type of lawsuit could be understood and filing criminal chages would probably also be a factor. If the family can forgive the actions of the grandfather in this tragedy, he is a lucky man. And if they can overcome their own guilt for letting their child attend such a dangerous 4th of July get together, they are fortunate. Putting the blame on others who save lives for a living is not the way to overcome their sad loss. Get on with healig your loss by letting go of your anger. - I wonder where the amount of this lawsuit came from? "
Old Charlie wrote on Sep 24, 2008 10:49 PM:
" This unfortunate event and the pending claim, is a parable as to why health insurance and medical expenses are so out of reason. If we would join together to pass legislation to do away with these frivolous law suits and lets not forget that the trial lawyers, soundly in bed with the Democrats..... health care would be much more affordable for everyone. "
An observer wrote on Sep 25, 2008 8:42 AM:
" I have to say,that these people have been contacted by some Lawyer (ambulance chaser) who needs some money, we should ask what firm is handling this case, and what is thier percentage of the take if they win. I would also question the sanity of any judge who would allow this to proceed! "
the Grateful Dad wrote on Sep 25, 2008 9:34 AM:
" To Plato: this story has been going on for quite a while, and I, for one, have read all of the published facts about the case. Grandpa and the parents are at fault. PERIOD.
TO VIPER: "shouldn't of"??? DUDE, IT'S "SHOULDN'T HAVE". THERE IS NO DOUBLE CONTRACTION AT THE END OF A WORD, SO YOU CAN'T SAY "SHOULDN'T'VE", and you look like an fool saying, "shouldn't of". While I agree with your opinion on this story, your grammar and punctuation are atrocious! "
TO VIPER: "shouldn't of"??? DUDE, IT'S "SHOULDN'T HAVE". THERE IS NO DOUBLE CONTRACTION AT THE END OF A WORD, SO YOU CAN'T SAY "SHOULDN'T'VE", and you look like an fool saying, "shouldn't of". While I agree with your opinion on this story, your grammar and punctuation are atrocious! "
DUH wrote on Sep 25, 2008 9:57 AM:
" My goodness Grateful Dad, Did someone pee in your Cheerios this morning? "
viper wrote on Sep 25, 2008 11:34 AM:
" grateful Dad ) if your were able to read and comprehend what you read, you would of seen that I was not the one who wrote shouldnt've that was you ! I said shouldn't of been playing with explosives period. weather or not my my proper use of the words are right, the meaning is still there I don't know who pissed on your parade . but most of all I don't care what you think !you write the way you want to and I will write the way I want to if you can't handle it then don't read it !!!!!!!!! I never said I was a spelling king or a grammar king and I don't pretend to be unlike you : Viper "
Past Month's Most Commented Stories