Shooting survivor’s family to sue Broward

The first step in what’s likely to be a flurry of lawsuits related to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting was made Monday.

Student survivor Anthony Borges and his parents notified Broward County Administrator Bertha Henry in a two-page letter of their intent to sue the county.

Borges, 15, was shot five times in the Valentine’s Day rampage that killed 17 and injured 16. He was struck twice in his right leg, once in his left leg and twice in his torso, Borges’ attorney, Alex Arreaza, said.

“By the grace of God he’s not No. 18,” Arreaza said. “But it’s going to be a tough recovery … it’s a miracle that we’re even talking about recovery.”

The notice claims negligence on the parts of Broward County Public Schools, Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ principal and its school resource officer.

“The failure of Broward County Public Schools, and of the principal and school resource officer to adequately protect students, and in particular our client, from life-threatening harm were unreasonable, callous and negligent,” Arreaza wrote. “Such action or inaction led to the personal injuries sustained by my client.”

Borges is currently unable to walk, has undergone several surgeries and remains hospitalized at Broward Health Medical Center. His medical bills are sure to top $1 million, Arreaza said.

Borges intends to seek damages in an amount to be determined at a later date, the notice said.

tealanez@sunsentinel.com, 954-356-4542 or Twitter @talanez