A 23-month-old toddler suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and hearing loss after being thrown into the air by a daycare worker at a California fitness club, according to a lawsuit filed by the child's parents. The incident, which occurred on March 17, 2025, at The Bay Club's El Segundo Clubhouse, has sparked outrage among the family and raised serious concerns about the safety protocols of the facility.
According to the lawsuit, the toddler, referred to as C.K., was left unattended at the daycare center while his father, Matthew Kittle, was supposed to be at another location, the Manhattan Country Club, for three hours. At approximately 9:20 a.m., a female employee at the El Segundo Clubhouse reportedly swung the child around and then launched him over her head, releasing his hands without catching him. The video footage, which was included in the lawsuit, shows the child falling to the ground, hitting his head on the hardwood floor, and the employee seemingly landing on top of him. Other staff members were seen reacting with shock and concern during the incident.
The parents, Matthew and Elena Kittle, were initially informed by the daycare that C.K. had simply "fallen" and had "calmed down." However, upon picking up their son at 10:10 a.m., they discovered that C.K. had sustained significant injuries, including facial bruises, a swollen right eye, and a swollen mouth. The child was described as extremely drowsy, lethargic, and irritable once he arrived home. The parents later took C.K. to the emergency room at Torrance Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.
In addition to the physical harm, the lawsuit claims that C.K. also experienced hearing loss as a result of the incident. The parents have alleged that the daycare worker misrepresented the height of the fall, claiming it was only about 1.5 feet, despite the video clearly showing the child was at least six feet in the air before impact. This discrepancy has led the family to accuse the daycare of negligence, fraud, and emotional distress.
The Bay Club, which operates multiple high-end fitness and country clubs across the West Coast, has not commented on the ongoing legal proceedings. In a statement, the company emphasized its commitment to the safety of its members, team members, and the families it serves. The El Segundo Clubhouse, which houses a 14,000-square-foot childcare center, is described on its website as providing supervised activities for children.
The lawsuit, filed by the Kittle family through their attorney, outlines several charges against The Bay Club Co. LLC and Bay Club South Bay LLC. These include allegations of negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, intentional concealment, and battery. The parents are seeking compensation for the damages caused by the incident, which they claim has had lasting effects on their son's health and well-being.
As the case proceeds, the outcome could set a precedent for how such incidents are handled in childcare settings, particularly within private fitness clubs that offer daycare services. The incident highlights the importance of strict safety measures and proper training for all personnel working with young children. The Kittles' experience underscores the potential consequences of even seemingly playful actions when they involve vulnerable individuals.
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