The family of a young Arizona boy who died after first responders dismissed his medical emergency as an overreaction will receive a $2 million settlement from the city of Phoenix. The Phoenix City Council voted on Wednesday to approve the payout to the family of Abraham Clugston, who tragically passed away in April 2022 after suffering a seizure.
According to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family, Abraham’s mother called 911 in the early hours of the morning, desperately seeking help for her son.
A fire crew arrived within ten minutes—but instead of transporting the child to the hospital, they allegedly minimized the severity of the situation and told his mother that emergency care wasn’t necessary.
The lawsuit claims the crew told her she was “overreacting” and assured her that seizures were common in children, advising her to simply administer over-the-counter medication like Tylenol or ibuprofen. The responders reportedly stayed at the scene for only ten minutes before leaving.
Five hours later, Abraham was found unresponsive. Another 911 call was made, and this time, the child was transported to the hospital—but it was too late. Abraham did not survive.
According to the lawsuit, the emergency responders failed to conduct even the most basic medical evaluations during the first visit, including checking Abraham’s vital signs or taking his temperature. The family’s attorney, Breann Slack, argued that this lack of proper assessment contributed directly to the child’s preventable death.
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