PHOENIX, AZ – The city of Phoenix has agreed to a $2 million settlement with the family of a two-year-old boy who died in 2022 after firefighters reportedly failed to take him to the hospital despite his mother’s pleas. The settlement comes after a wrongful death lawsuit was filed against the city and its fire department.
In 2022, Abraham Cluckston’s mother called 911 when her son experienced a seizure and fever for the first time. According to court documents, she implored the arriving firefighters to transport him to the hospital. However, they assured her it was unnecessary, suggesting instead that she administer Tylenol and ibuprofen.
Hours later, the unthinkable happened. Abraham was found unresponsive, prompting another emergency call. This time, he was rushed to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, but tragically, efforts to save him were unsuccessful.
The Cluckston family, through their attorney Brian Slack, has expressed profound disappointment in the response they received from the emergency services. “You should always be able to count on firefighters,” Slack stated, highlighting the family’s reliance on the advice given by the responders.
The lawsuit alleged negligence on the part of the firefighters and the city, demanding accountability for the advice that led to a preventable tragedy. The family’s statement emphasized their hope to expose any procedural flaws and prevent similar incidents in the future.
In response to the settlement, the Phoenix City Council acknowledged the tragedy, offering condolences to the Cluckston family. A statement from the city promised that an internal review had been conducted, leading to improved training and procedures for emergency personnel.
Despite the settlement, the Cluckston family remains committed to advocating for policy changes to ensure no other family endures a similar loss. They hope their efforts will lead to meaningful reform within the emergency response system.
While the settlement cannot bring Abraham back, it represents a step towards justice and accountability, the family believes. They continue to push for reforms that will protect other children in the community.
The city reaffirmed its dedication to community safety, stating that it remains focused on protecting its residents and making necessary improvements to its emergency response protocols.