Mother blames Norridge School District, Groot Industries for son's concussion

A Cook County woman is suing over claims her minor son injured his head on a dumpster while playing at recess.

On behalf of her son, Marisa Pugliese filed suit July 10 in the Cook County Circuit Court against Norridge School District 80, doing business as Leigh Elementary School, and Groot Industries Inc.

According to the complaint, on April 4, 2011, Pugliese's then 13-year-old son struck his head on a dumpster handle while being supervised at recess as a student at Leigh Elementary School in Norridge.

Pugliese claims Groot Industries had recently delivered an empty dumpster for the school's use, but failed to place it inside the fenced off area designated for the dumpster to keep it from creating a hazard for the children at recess, and the school failed to adequately warn or supervise students.

According to the suit, Joseph sustained a concussion, required extensive medical treatment and continues to suffer from post-concussion syndrome, which impedes his performance at school and daily life.

The Puglieses are seeking damages and medical expenses. They are being represented in the case by attorney Daniel K. Touhy in Chicago.

Cook County Circuit Court Case No. 2014L007254.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed in the Cook County Circuit Court. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.