Lawsuit says boy, 8, was crushed by dumpster in 2012

A Lorain woman is suing Republic Services of Elyria claiming a ward of hers was crushed by a dumpster in 2012.

The suit was filed June 8 on the behalf of Audrey Kidd in Lorain County Common Pleas Court.

It names Republic, Eastwood Court Properties and five John Does as defendants. The suit

requests damages in excess of $25,000.

According to the complaint, on June 5, 2012, the 8-year-old boy was staying with his mother at an apartment complex in the 900 block of East Broad Street in Elyria that is owned by Eastwood.

The boy and other youngsters were playing near a dumpster owned by Browning-Ferris Industries of Ohio, now known as Republic Services of Elyria, the complaint said.

According to the filing, the wheeled dumpster was placed on an uneven surface and on the day the boy was playing outside it tipped and slammed to the ground crushing him.

The boy suffered a severe orbital fracture which required surgery and the insertion of screws, numerous facial fractures, a nasal bone fracture, posttraumatic hematoma, back contusions and injuries to other parts of his body, the suit says.

The suit alleges Republic was negligent in failing to maintain the property, in creating or permitting a dangerous condition, in failing to act reasonably once officials became aware of the dangerous condition, failing to properly screen their employees and in failing to have adequate procedures and protocols.

It also claims Eastwood and the five John Does were negligent in maintaining the property which led to the boy’s injuries.

The filing demands the case be heard by a jury in Lorain County Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher R. Rothgery’s courtroom.

Republic Services of Elyria and Eastwood Court Properties could not be reached for comment.