Community Corner

Louisville Slugger Lawsuit Settled For $14.5 Million

Wayne family will receive approximately $10.2 million out of $14.5 million settlement.

The former Wayne Little Leaguer who suffered brain damage after a line drive struck his chest will receive more than $9 million after a $14.5 million settlement was reached with the maker of Louisville Slugger bats, the Sports Authority, and the New Jersey State Little League.

Steven Domalewski was struck in the chest between heartbeats by a line drive while pitching in a 2006 Little League game. His heart stopped beating, depriving his brain of oxygen for between 15 and 20 minutes.

The settlement was finalized before state Superior Court Judge Garry Rothstadt Wednesday.

Find out what's happening in Waynewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“He’ll have more than enough to last him for the res of his life,” Domalewski’s father Joseph said outside the family’s Wilson Avenue home Wednesday. He declined further comment.

Domalewski’s mother Nancy, acted as his guardian ad litem during the proceedings.

Find out what's happening in Waynewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Ernest Fronzuto, the lawyer representing the family, did not return messages seeking comment.

The case was scheduled to Sept. 10 in state Superior Court.

Of the $14.5 million, nearly $9.1 million will go toward Domalewski’s care. Joseph Domalewski will receive $1.6 million. The Fronzuto Law Group will receive approximately $4.1 million for fees, unreimbursed costs, and expenses.

Superior Court Judge Margaret McVeigh will approve the terms of the settlement disbursement to assure that Domalewski will “be best positioned to derive maximum benefit from the proceeds,” Rothstadt’s approval order states.

Domalewski has received continuous physical therapy since the accident. He has made significant improvements lately. He can answer “yes” and “no” to questions now and can walk with help from his father. He attended his high school prom last year.

The community has offered the family continual support since the accident.

Hundreds of people last year.

For more information about Domalewski and his ongoing battle, click here.

— Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Daniel Hubbard at Daniel.Hubbard@patch.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here