School officials deny injury suit allegations

Columbia Public Schools is denying that unsafe conditions caused a West Junior High School student two years ago to fall and suffer permanent injuries.

The district filed its response Wednesday to a personal injury lawsuit filed in April by Phil and Cheryl Mitchell on behalf of their minor son.

The Mitchells’ complaints stem from an incident that allegedly occurred June 7, 2004, when their son was serving detention at West Junior. According to the lawsuit filed in Boone County Circuit Court, West Junior Assistant Principal Jeff Beiswinger instructed the Mitchells’ son to help janitors and was told that if he did a "good job," he would not have to come back the next day for additional detention time.

The Mitchells had notified the school before the alleged incident that their son had a knee injury that caused him to limit physical activity.

As the student was allegedly moving school furniture, the lawsuit says, he tripped and fell over a wrestling mat. The fall caused a double fracture, permanent injuries and deformities to the right arm, according to the lawsuit.

Additionally, the boy suffered "severe emotional distress and anxiety" from the incident. The Mitchells are seeking damages in excess of $25,000.

Columbia Public Schools "absolutely denies" the incident, attorney Ronald Sweet said.

Beiswinger said he was not familiar enough with the lawsuit allegations to comment.

The Mitchells’ attorney, Bill Rotts, was not available for comment, and the Mitchells did not return a phone message.