Woman Claims Quadriplegic Son Injured Because Of School's Negligence

A mother has filed a personal injury suit against the Kanawha County, West Virginia Board of Education, alleging that her son was injured while at Holz Elementary School.

According to the suit filed by Linda Woodell, her son, Benjamin Woodell, was a student at the school in February of 2005.

According to Woodell, her son is a quadriplegic and he was to be accompanied by an aide at all times, according to his individualized care plan and state and federal law.

The suit claims that on February 8, 2005, Benjamin’s aide directed his wheelchair into a cafeteria wall, resulting in a severe spiral fracture to his leg.

Woodell claims that during the healing process, her son suffered spastic episodes in his legs resulting in painful muscle contractions. As a result, the bones in his hip and leg shifted, requiring numerous surgeries to correct.

Woodell claims that the incident has caused her son to become permanently confined to a wheelchair. Before the incident, she says, he was able to walk and stand for limited periods of time.

The suit alleges negligence on the part of the school board for failure to properly train the aide working with Benjamin.

Woodell seeks various damages, plus costs.