Rachel Kiser
Blogger | Mom of Two
The two parents of a 5-year-old boy were billed an exorbitant amount from their local Kansas community center after he accidentally fell into an art piece that was on display.
In surveillance footage, you can see the little boy reaching up towards the statue, called “Aphrodite di Kansas City” before it tumbles over. It also appears as though the statue hits the young boy on its way down.
In a letter sent from Overland Park’s insurance company to the family, they stated, “You’re responsible for the supervision of a minor child.” They went on to write, “Your failure to monitor could be considered negligent.”
Yikes.
According to ABC News, the piece’s creator, Bill Lyons, examined it and deemed that it was, “beyond my capabilities or desires to rebuild.” It took him two years to create the work of art, and it was currently listed for sale.
It was noted by city officials that the piece was not “permanently attached” to the pedestal it was on, but rather secured with clips alone. They made sure to note, however, that no instances have ever occurred to warrant a permanent attachment.
Sarah Goodman, the child’s mother, was floored by the letter, and not for the reasons you’d initially think. The bill was a big deal, of course, but she says, “I was surprised, absolutely, more so offended to be called negligent. They were treating this like a crime scene.” The Goodmans were attending a wedding at the community center, and the reason they were just out of frame is because they were saying goodnight to family members who were on their way out.
She also brings up a point that came to my mind after watching the footage: safety. “No one would ever expect that to come into a place that kids are invited and have to worry about a $132,000 piece of art falling on their child,” she added. “Because he didn’t maliciously break that. It fell on him. It was not secure, it was not safe — at all.”
What do you think? Were the parents negligent? Do they deserve to pay $132,000 for this accident?
About Rachel Kiser
Rachel is a wife and mother living in Raleigh, North Carolina. She’s a fan of good coffee, wearer of gray t-shirts, and is constantly starting books she will never finish. Her family is her joy, and she loves to engage with other moms and dads on matters of parenting. Her blog posts have also been featured on the Today Show Parenting Blog and Scary Mommy.
8 Comments on “Parents Fined $132,000- and Called Negligent- After Young Child Knocks Over Statue at Community Center”
The blame should be shared, it should have been secured more and the child should have known to look and not touch.
Absolutely the parents are responsible, no question about it. I realize that parents can’t keep an eye on their kids every second of every minute but if you teach your children to behave and to respect other people’s property then you can afford to let them out of your sight for a minute while you say goodbye to someone. Five years old is old enough to know better.
Wow! That would be a hard lesson to learn as child.
I’m still on the fence with this one—-I think both sides share the blame (not securing/not minding), but not sure On the bill 😬
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Echo. I’m sure others are on the fence as well! Tough call…
The bill is really huge. They should have secured it more knowing how expensive it is.
I’m still deciding on this one! WOW,that’s a huge bill!
Yes she is responsible. Watch your kids. No excuses. I had 3 kids in 18 months (had twins) and never under any circumstances were they allowed to run around any kind of building at any age. If they were saying good bye, have them run around outside under supervision or stay with the other adults. She should have to pay the $132,000 and then she can take home her new purchase as a reminder to watch her kids. I am 49 now and am very old school. Take responsibilities for your own actions.