Mother sues sports outfits for son’s injury

A Galveston County mother filed a lawsuit against a group of manufacturers and a service provider for alleged product liability in 2011.

Felicia Andrews, individually and as next friend of minor Devon Andrews, filed a complaint on April 27 against Academy Sports + Outdoors (Academy Ltd.) of Katy; Assemblers Inc. of Chattanooga, Tenn.; Spalding, Fruit of the Loom Inc., and Russell Brands LLC, all headquartered in Bowling Green, Ky.; and American Athletic Inc. of Austin, in Galveston County District Court, claiming damages from a January 2011 purchase and subsequent May 2013 incident.

According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff bought a 60-inch glass in-ground Spalding basketball goal from Academy on Jan. 26, 2011. The goal was installed by Assemblers on or about March 5. The complaint states that the goal began leaning and was replaced with a new unit, also installed by Assemblers, in July 2011.

Andrews alleges that the second installation was inadequate due to excess concrete being poured into the foundation; and that the pole sections separated over time, finally falling and striking her son in his chest and body on May 17, 2013. The complaint cites product liability in the assembly’s design and installation.

Contending that her son sustained a bruised lung and other injuries, causing pain and suffering, the plaintiff seeks: between $100,000 and $200,000 in compensation for medical expenses; exemplary damages; pre- and post-judgment interest; attorney’s fees; expenses; and costs. The plaintiffs are represented by attorney Neil Baron of the Law Office of Neil G. Baron in Dickinson.

Galveston County District Court case no. CV-0074134.