Phoenix has reached a $2 million settlement with the family of a two-year-old boy who tragically passed away in 2022. The boy’s death occurred after firefighters allegedly did not transport him to the hospital, despite his mother’s urgent requests. The settlement is the result of a wrongful death lawsuit filed against the city and its fire department.
In 2022, the mother of Abraham Cluckston dialed 911 when her son suffered a seizure and high fever for the first time. Court documents reveal that she pleaded with the firefighters who responded to the call to take her son to the hospital. However, they assured her that hospitalization was not necessary and recommended that she give him Tylenol and ibuprofen instead.
Tragically, a few hours later, Abraham was found unresponsive. Another emergency call was made, and this time, he was rushed to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Despite the medical team’s best efforts, they were unable to save him.
The Cluckston family’s attorney, Brian Slack, expressed the family’s deep disappointment with the emergency services’ response. He emphasized that the family had trusted the advice given by the firefighters. The lawsuit accused the firefighters and the city of negligence, demanding accountability for the advice that led to this avoidable tragedy. The family’s statement underscored their desire to reveal any procedural errors and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
In response to the settlement, the Phoenix City Council recognized the tragedy and extended their condolences to the Cluckston family. The city issued a statement promising that an internal review had been carried out, resulting in enhanced training and procedures for emergency personnel.
Despite the settlement, the Cluckston family remains dedicated to advocating for policy changes to prevent other families from experiencing a similar loss. They hope their efforts will bring about significant reform within the emergency response system.
While the settlement cannot bring Abraham back, the family believes it represents a step towards justice and accountability. They continue to advocate for reforms that will safeguard other children in the community. The city reaffirmed its commitment to community safety, stating that it remains focused on protecting its residents and making necessary improvements to its emergency response protocols.