CHICAGO — USA Boxing is being blamed for a staircase accident that allegedly disabled a man after he stepped out of the boxing ring.
A special representative is suing USA Boxing, the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame and the Celtic Boxing Club for allegedly failing to keep the stairs properly secured to the boxing ring.
Diane Wonders, administrator of the estate of Willie Smith, filed a complaint on Sept. 5 in Cook County Circuit Court alleging on Sept. 24, 2016, Smith was leaving the boxing ring when he allegedly stepped on the stairs, which slid to the side, causing him to fall and suffer "severe catastrophic injuries." Smith's injuries allegedly were permanent and disabled him. Smith died in June 2017.
The plaintiff holds the defendants responsible because the defendants allegedly failed to properly secure, affix and attach the stairs to prevent harm.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment greater than $50,000, plus costs of suit. She is represented by Lawrence P. Maya of Stone & Maya, PC in Chicago.
Circuit Court of Cook County Case number 18-L-009599