NEW ORLEANS – The parents of a Harahan child are suing a New Orleans soccer academy and soccer team for their alleged role in the minor's injury.
Gabrielle Laitano and Leonard J. Cline filed suit on behalf of their son, Leonard J. Laitano, against NOLA Soccer Academy and Samson LLC (operating under the name of New Orleans Jesters) in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court.
Laitano and Cline assert that on July 15, 2013 at The Big Easy sports facility in Harahan, NOLA Soccer Academy and the New Orleans Jesters allowed older students to practice soccer with younger students.
The plaintiffs claim that during this practice, an approximately 12-year-old student kicked the soccer ball, which struck the right wrist of the plaintiffs' six-year-old child, Leonard. Laitano and Cline charge that the impact caused a forearm fracture. The injury reportedly prevented Leonard from participating in other sports such as karate, baseball, football and swimming lessons.
The defendant is accused of negligence, including failing to properly train employees, failing to provide a high level of soccer coaching, and allowing older and stronger students to practice with younger and inexperienced students.
The plaintiffs seek less than $50,000.00 for pain and suffering, mental anguish and distress, medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, legal interest and court costs.
Laitano is represented by attorney Leonard J. Cline.
The case has been assigned to District J Judge Paula A. Brown.
Case no. 2014-06379.