Penn State and Football Player Sued Over Child's E-Scooter Injury

A family has filed a negligence lawsuit against Penn State University and freshman defensive tackle De'Andre Cook following an e-scooter accident that left a 6-year-old boy seriously injured. The incident, which occurred on February 18, 2024, has brought attention to campus safety policies and the privileges afforded to student-athletes.

The lawsuit, filed on November 12 by Shane Richard, the child's father, alleges that Cook failed to yield at a pedestrian crosswalk on North Burrowes Road, striking the child with his scooter. The collision resulted in two pelvic fractures, a broken foot, and head injuries requiring four staples. The family claims that Penn State violated its own policies by providing athletes access to banned scooters, contributing to the incident.

According to the lawsuit, Penn State's policy prohibits the use of scooters that do not meet Pennsylvania Vehicle Code requirements. However, the suit alleges that student-athletes were granted exceptions to this campus-wide ban on motorized scooters. This raises questions about the university's enforcement of safety regulations and the potential risks associated with granting special privileges to certain groups of students.

The incident highlights the growing concerns surrounding the use of e-scooters on college campuses and in urban areas. As these devices become increasingly popular, issues of safety, regulation, and liability are coming to the forefront. The outcome of this lawsuit could have implications for how universities and municipalities approach e-scooter use and enforce related safety measures.

The case also underscores the potential consequences of prioritizing convenience over safety. As universities strive to accommodate the needs of student-athletes and other groups, they must carefully consider the broader implications of their policies on campus safety and community well-being.

Penn State University has declined to comment on the pending litigation, while Cook, who paid a fine for traffic violations related to the crash, has not publicly addressed the lawsuit. The university's response to this incident and any potential policy changes that may result could set a precedent for other institutions facing similar challenges.

As the legal proceedings unfold, this case will likely prompt discussions about the balance between individual responsibility and institutional accountability in ensuring campus safety. It may also lead to a reevaluation of policies regarding alternative transportation methods on college campuses and the special considerations given to student-athletes.