A five-year-old girl from Altamont was involved in a tragic accident at the Effingham County Fair. The accident occurred during a horse harness race at the fair, where the child was struck by the folding arm of the pace car due to a malfunction when the starting gate on the back of the pace car failed to fold in and extended into the grandstand. Officials said there were people with medical training there who immediately jumped in to help and she was immediately airlifted to St. Louis for urgent medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, the St. Louis City Medical Examiner confirmed the heartbreaking news that she passed away at St. Louis Children’s Hospital on Wednesday at 6:49 p.m.
The news of this tragic incident sent shockwaves through the horse racing community and fairs in neighboring counties. As the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into the accident, we must ensure that justice is served for this family. The tragedy has raised concerns about safety measures and maintenance at fairgrounds. It is crucial that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent such accidents in the future. We hope that the investigation will provide clarity and answers to the family, helping them find closure and hold accountable those responsible for the likely avoidable incident. As we seek to prevent any other unfortunate and preventable incidents like this, it is essential to prioritize safety measures and ensure fairgrounds provide a secure environment for all visitors, especially children. It is our collective responsibility to ensure these tragedies are prevented through strict adherence to safety protocols and prompt action when malfunctions or hazards are identified.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to defects someone else caused, you deserve to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses. The team at Spiros Law, P.C. has been advocating for the rights of injured individuals in Central Illinois for nearly two decades. Let our team of experienced trial lawyers review your case and start fighting for the compensation you deserve.
The lawyers at Spiros Law, P.C. are aggressive negotiators who will not settle for less than you deserve, and we are unafraid to take the at-fault party to court and hold them accountable for their wrongdoing. Call our team today at (815) 929-9292 or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you fight for justice.