Boy, father file claim against city over broken wrist

A father and son have filed claims against Huntington Beach for a combined total of $125,000 after the boy tripped during a physical education class and broke his wrist.

Michael G. Barber and his 13-year-old son, Zakary, filed a claim, the precursor to a lawsuit, against the city earlier this month.

Zakary is asking for $100,000 for medical bills, pain and suffering, and his father is asking for $25,000 for emotional pain and loss of earning while taking care of his son, according to the claims.

The family has already accumulated $10,000 in medical bills, according to the claims.

City officials said they are investigating the claims, and no action has been taken.

Zakary was playing capture the flag in March outside of Samuel E. Talbert Middle School when he tripped.

His shoe got caught on the raised sidewalk along the edge of the playground and a raised sprinkler head in the grass, according to the claim.

He broke his left wrist and injured his right knee.

The city should have maintained the sidewalks and sprinklers in the area, according to the claim.

—Britney Barnes