Home / Disasters and Accidents / Official Injured at Fair Gets $350K Settlement
Official Injured at Fair Gets $350K Settlement
14 Sep
Summary
- Track official James Burch received $350,000 in a settlement.
- He sustained serious injuries, including 11 broken ribs and leg fractures.
- The settlement aims to prevent future incidents through better training.
A settlement of $350,000 has been reached for a track official injured at an Iowa State Fair tractor pull event in 2022. James Burch was officiating when he was struck by a skid loader, suffering severe injuries including 11 broken ribs and multiple leg fractures.
The incident kept Burch from returning to work for nearly a year. He and his wife filed a lawsuit alleging negligence in training, supervision, and safety measures by the event organizers and the fair.
While the defendants deny wrongdoing, Burch's attorney stated the goal is to ensure safer events. This hope is for volunteers to receive proper training on machinery operation to prevent similar life-altering injuries.
The case was dismissed on September 2nd after the parties notified the court of a settlement on July 8th. The settlement is covered by the event organizers' insurance, meaning no state or fair board funds are involved.
