It is likely that few in the Pittsburgh area have forgotten the tragic death of a young boy at the zoo last fall. The 2-year-old died after falling into a wild dog exhibit. Though he was reportedly alert after the fall, the dogs attacked him inflicting the fatal wounds.

Recently, the boy's parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the zoo as well as the Zoological Society of Pittsburgh, seeking punitive damages for the boy's death. In addition to wrongful death, they are also suing for negligent infliction of emotional distress and strict liability. 

The complaint alleges several ways in which the two were negligent, including the failure of the zoo to provide employees with tranquilizer guns that worked correctly. In addition, it claims that the railings and guard rails around the exhibit were so low as to be defective and dangerous. Prior to the tragic incident, reportedly at least one employee informed his supervisor that the railings were too low to be safe when young children were lifted up by adults to get a better view of the exhibit.

The injuries the young child suffered were horrendous and when totaled, numbered 220. Though his mother attempted to climb into the dog's area to rescue her son, several individuals restrained her. This left her to watch her son die before her eyes.

Many Pittsburgh area parents are likely wondering how the boy's parents, particularly his mother, are able to make it through each day after experiencing such a terrible ordeal. While there is nothing that can be done to undo the sad incident, this lawsuit may provide the closure necessary for them to move forward with their lives.

Source: Courthouse News, "Family Sues Pittsburgh Zoo for Boy Torn to Death by Wild Dogs," Erin Mcauley, May 29, 2013