$5 Million Demand for Arena Football Accident

CHICAGO (CN) - An equipment manager sued the Chicago Rush, an arena football team, for $5 million because a rolling wall fell onto his 5-year-old son at the team's practice facility.

Lisa and Jeffrey Henderson sued Soccer City, CR Football Acquisition dba Chicago Rush, and Arena Football One in Cook County Court, on behalf of their son Robbie.

Soccer City runs the team's practice facility in Palatine, Ill. The Rush has the largest market in the Arena Football League.

The Hendersons say in the lawsuit that "it was common practice for Rush and Soccer City to extend an open invitation and allow family members of employees of the Chicago Rush Football Team to be at the facilities while their family member was working and/or practicing."

"On or about April 16, 2013, Jeff and his son Robbie, were present at the Rush Practice/Training facilities, located at Soccer City.

"On or about April 16, 2013, while at the facilities at Soccer City, a large rolling gate/wall fell on plaintiff Robbie's leg causing severe injury and bodily harm to Robbie."

The accident fractured Robbie's femur, requiring multiple surgeries and hospital visits, and $59,000 in medical bills.

"Jeff was working near the scene of the incident and suffered emotional distress from having to help rescue and retrieve his son, Robbie, from under the gate/wall, and having to assist in the emergency care and treatment of Robbie," the father says.

The family seeks $5 million in damages for negligence and emotional distress.

They are represented by Daniel Madigan with Madigan & Homsy in Barrington, Ill.

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