Woman Hit By Ball Sues Little League Catcher
Matthew Migliaccio was just trying help his baseball team’s pitcher warm up, but the Little Leaguer now faces a lawsuit from a woman hit by his errant throw.
New Jersey resident Elizabeth Lloyd is suing the catcher for more than $150,000 in damages to cover medical costs after the incident at a Manchester Little League game in 2010, the Associated Press reported. She is seeking further damages for pain and suffering.
She was sitting at a picnic table near the field’s bullpen when she was hit with the ball. Migliaccio had been helping his team’s pitcher warm up when his throw went off the mark and hit Lloyd in the face.
She is claiming the ball “assaulted and battered” her, caring “severe, painful and permanent” injuries, the Associated Press reported. She claims the catcher’s actions were negligent and careless, and she suffers ongoing pain and anguish. Her husband has filed another count for loss of “services, society and consortium” of his wife.
“I just think that it’s disgusting that you have people suing an 11-year-old kid for overthrowing his pitcher in the bullpen,” said Anthony Pagano, a lawyer for the Migliaccios, in an interview with the Associated Press. “It’s horrible this can actually happen and get this far. Ultimately, hopefully, justice will prevail.”
The Little League has denied any coverage, angering Migliaccios father.
“I want to be clear: The litigation does not shock me. People sue people every day,” an ESPN article quoted Bob Migliaccio. “What I was surprised about was the lack of answers and support from Little League. I cannot believe that they would not help out in this issue.”
