Alonzo Yanes is awarded nearly $60 million as compensation towards the injuries sustained by him in the school chemistry lab.
The accident occurred in 2014 when Yanes was a student at Beacon High School, New York. The students were conducting an experiment called “rainbow demonstration” when the explosion occurred.
The injuries covered about thirty percent of Yanes’ body. He has had to undergo painful surgeries during this time frame. There are more rehabilitative treatments in Mr. Yanes future. During the trial, Mr. Yanes is reported to have said,
“I was hopelessly burning alive, and I couldn’t put myself out, and the pain was so unbearable.”
Anna Poole, who was the instructor in charge of the chemistry lab and the Department of Education, New York City has been found to be at fault by the jury.
After the accident, the American Chemical Society had issued a safety alert for the rainbow demonstration to be discontinued in schools.
Ruth Lacey, Principal of the school, is said to have cried during the trial stating she “made a mistake” when questioned about the safety protocols that were not followed.
The city law department has communicated that they will be exploring other legal options to arrive at a reduced amount as compensation. Their spokesperson, Mr. Nicholas Paolucci said, “The well-being of students is the top priority of the Department of Education, and this chemistry experiment is no longer used in any classroom as a result of this tragic accident.”
The $60 million as compensation is partly for the injuries and the pain Yanes suffered and partly for future rehabilitation treatment.
Jury rules $60 million as compensation to the student injured in chemistry lab
