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A $6 Million Settlement for the Plush Family with Reforms to Emergency Responders

Joseph Paulozzi
April 21, 2021

A settlement has been reached in the wrongful death suit of Kyle Plush. The case was hard-won. No parent should have to bury their child. Kyle Plush will be remembered by his family, who will be using this settlement to prevent such a catastrophic failure of emergency response from claiming the life of anyone else.The dedicated attorneys at Paulozzi LPA understand that when you lose a loved one under preventable circumstances, unanswered questions often lead to anger. Death is painful, and that anger can delay your ability to grieve. You deserve to have someone with the experience, skills, and knowledge to guide you through this trying time. When you need a Cleveland wrongful death attorney, reach out to Paulozzi LPA. We're here for you.

What Went Wrong in Kyle Plush's Death

Kyle Plush, a 16-year-old Seven Hills student, was supposed to head to the tennis courts. Instead, he became pinned down by a folding seat in the back of his parked minivan.He called 911 twice. His last words to the 911 operator were, "I probably don't have much time left. Tell my mom I love her if I die."Kyle's father found him hours later when he did not return home from school.When Kyle first dialed 911, he told the operator he was stuck inside his van parked at his school. In the second call, he provided more details to the operator about the van's make and model. The first operator did not provide the police with better details about his location. The officers rode around the parking lot but never stopped and exited their vehicles to look for Kyle.The second operator claimed she could not hear Kyle and went silent. Kyle can be heard pleading for help, banging, and stating, "this is not a prank."The Plush family brought a wrongful death suit against the City, claiming the City was "negligent, reckless, wanton, willful and deliberately indifferent to the health of 911 callers."

How the Plush Family Will Honor Their Son

The City of Cincinnati has agreed to settle the wrongful death suit for $6 million. City manager Paula Boggs Muething stated, "The employees of the Emergency Communications Center and Police Department are dedicated public servants who are committed to helping when people need them the most. We will work every day to ensure that our City never again experiences a tragedy like the one suffered by the Plush family. The City is dedicated to providing the most professional emergency response to all Cincinnatians."The settlement also includes improvements to the City's emergency communications center;

  • $250,000 will be used to improve the 911 call center
  • Part of the $6 million will go to the Kyle Plush Answer the Call Foundation

Separate from the suit, the Cincinnati police will be changing some procedures. Officers are now required to get out of their cars and search by foot when responding to 911 calls, especially when those calls go silent or are dropped.

When the Unthinkable Happens, Paulozzi LPA is Here

There is no greater pain than losing a loved one, especially under preventable circumstances. Cleveland, Ohio, wrongful death attorneys are here to help you and your family get the answers, justice, and compensation you deserve. If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent and careless acts of another, call the dedicated attorneys at Paulozzi LPA today. Contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 888-710-0040.

Joseph Paulozzi
April 21, 2021
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