$33.5 Million Verdict Won for Rising Star Athlete

Attorneys Trent Shelton and Samantha Demuren of Arnold & Itkin LLP secured a $33.5 million verdict for our client, an up-and-coming basketball player whose career was destroyed due to a severe burn injury. The verdict is the outcome of years-long legal battles to hold numerous defendants accountable for our client’s injury.

The Trajectory of Our Client’s Career & Unfortunate Injury

Our client was a shining basketball star, a national top 20 prospect straight out of high school, who led Marquette to the Elite 8.

In October 2017, our client signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, enabling him to play for either the Lakers or their G League team. To earn a full contract salary, he would need to play for 45 days with the Lakers, after which he would become a full-time Lakers player.

However, just 22 days into his contract, his promising career took an unexpected and devastating turn.

While relaxing after a game in a Dallas club, our client was seriously burned. Unbeknownst to him, he’d been seated next to a CO2 sprayer, part of the club’s entertainment setup. With no signs or audible warnings, he was sprayed with gas cold enough to cause severe burns at -110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Holding 12 Responsible Parties Accountable

A lawsuit was filed against a dozen distinct defendants who jointly manufactured, planned, and approved the CO2 spraying devices. The nightclub’s entertainment choice, spraying blasts of icy air at unsuspecting patrons sitting or standing close to these cannons, showed complete disregard for customer safety.

“The evidence and testimony of the nightclub’s actions leading up to this incident were appalling,” said Trent. “For years, our client has waited for this nightclub to take responsibility for their actions. They refused—only offering him nominal value for his injuries. I am thankful the people of Dallas County forced them to.”

After a lengthy legal battle, justice has been served. The verdict is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Dallas personal injury lawyers at Arnold & Itkin, reinforcing our commitment to fighting for our clients' rights and futures.