Washington Schools To Pay $6.9M Settlement For Fall

The Toppenish School District has agreed to pay $6.9 million to the family of an infant who fell through bleachers at a soccer game and suffered lifelong debilitating injuries.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reported that the $6.9 million settlement was reached between the school district and the family of Sophia Sanchez in October. The settlement was approved in January in Yakima County Superior Court.

Despite the settlement, school officials say the district was not at fault.

In September 2007, Sophia Sanchez fell through a 7.5-inch gap in the bleachers at Toppenish Middle School and landed on her head on the cement floor almost 13 feet below. The baby was hospitalized for almost a month and underwent several surgeries.

The settlement will go into a trust fund for managing the girl’s health needs.