Virginia Beach high school student caused more than $690,000 in damage to hotel, lawsuit says
The next morning, senior
When he went to take it back down, the sprinkler activated -- resulting in more than
"It's a parent's worst nightmare," attorney
The hotel's insurance company is suing Anderson and the
Matthews, who represents the school system, argues his client shouldn't have to pay. He is arguing sovereign immunity.
That would still leave Anderson on the hook.
The company behind his father's homeowner's insurance policy is currently paying for his defense, but it wants out of the case. Universal
A message left for Anderson at his father's
The suit stems from a
Anderson, who is now attending
While staying in his fourth-floor hotel room, Anderson decided to hang his uniform jacket on a sprinkler head that was located on one of the room's walls.
Matthews said there were no signs to notify guests not to hang clothing from the sprinkler head and that Anderson didn't know it was dangerous.
"He felt terrible," the attorney said.
Assistant Fire Chief
A news release posted last month on the department's website referenced the hazards posed by hangers and sprinkler heads.
"Although sprinkler heads operate independently and activate when exposed to fire, damage from the discharge of one sprinkler head can be significant," the release said, explaining one can release 15 to 40 gallons of water per minute. "The water discharged from a sprinkler activation can cause damage throughout a building."
Smolsky said he did not know how long it took for officials to shut off the hotel's sprinklers, but said firefighters were on the scene within six minutes. Matthews said it took about 45 minutes to turn off the water.
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