Emily Smith and Alexander Campbell have filed a lawsuit against multiple corporations, alleging severe negligence and product liability after their son suffered debilitating injuries from a fall due to faulty window safety locks. The complaint was lodged in the 30th Judicial District Court for Vernon Parish on May 31, 2024, targeting Safe Beginnings, Inc., Besafe Technologies, Inc., Johnson Funding, LLC, and Corvias Management-Army, LLC.
The plaintiffs claim that the defendants are responsible for serious injuries sustained by Corey Smith on June 5, 2023. According to the complaint, Emily Smith and Alexander Campbell installed Safety Innovations Window and Door Babyproof Safety Locks in their son's bedroom as per the instructions provided by Safe Beginnings and Besafe Technologies. Despite following all guidelines, the locks failed to secure the window properly, leading to Corey's fall from a second-story window at their residence in Fort Johnson, Louisiana. The lawsuit states that Corey sustained significant injuries to his right leg which may result in permanent damage.
The plaintiffs argue that Safe Beginnings and Besafe Technologies were negligent in designing and manufacturing a defective product that posed an unreasonable risk of harm. They allege that these companies violated the Louisiana Product Liability Act by releasing a dangerous product into commerce without adequate testing or warnings about potential failures. "Defendants knowingly placed dangerously designed safety locks into the stream of commerce," reads part of the complaint.
Furthermore, Emily Smith claims damages under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315 (B) for loss of consortium due to her son's injuries. Both she and Alexander Campbell seek compensation for emotional distress experienced upon witnessing Corey's suffering immediately after the incident.
In addition to product liability claims against Safe Beginnings and Besafe Technologies, negligence is also alleged against Johnson Funding and Corvias Management regarding premises liability. The suit contends these entities failed to maintain safe living conditions at their leased property by not addressing known hazards associated with second-story windows.
The plaintiffs seek judgment for general and special damages exceeding $50,000 from each defendant jointly or severally. They request compensation for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering endured by Corey Smith as well as mental anguish experienced by his family members.
Representing Emily Smith individually as Natural Tutrix of Corey Smith along with Alexander Campbell is attorney Terry B. Loup from Morris Bart LLC law firm based out of New Orleans; while presiding over this case is Judge James D Cain Jr., identified under Case ID: 2:24-cv-01627-JDC-TPL.