WELLINGTON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A mother is suing the School District of Palm Beach County after she claims that her child was seriously injured in a slip-and-fall accident at a Wellington elementary school. The complaint obtained by BocaNewsNow.com alleges that the district failed to maintain a safe environment at New Horizons Elementary School, leading to an incident that has resulted in ongoing medical issues for the minor student.
The legal action stems from an incident on February 9, 2022, when the student, identified as E. D., was heading to a classroom for tutoring. According to the complaint, E. D. slipped and fell on a newly painted floor or a “foreign substance” left in her pathway. An internal school district accident report from the day of the fall noted that the child was unable to get up after the noise of the impact alerted a staff member, leading to a “moderate to urgent” accident classification and a visit from the school nurse.
In the lawsuit, Audrey Harris, the child’s parent, claims the school district was negligent by failing to warn students of the dangerous floor conditions or providing a non-slip surface. The filing states that the student suffered significant bodily injuries, resulting in pain and suffering, mental anguish, and a loss of the “capacity for the enjoyment of life.” The family’s attorney, Geralda David, noted in the filing that these injuries are expected to be permanent or continuing in nature.
The plaintiff is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, exclusive of interest and legal fees, and has requested a trial by jury. Records show the family’s legal team provided the state and the school board with formal notice of their intent to sue back in 2023 and 2025, as required by Florida law for claims against government entities. As of this report, the School District of Palm Beach County has not issued a formal response to the specific allegations in the complaint.
