El Segundo, California — A Southern California family has filed a lawsuit against The Bay Club El Segundo, alleging that a staff member accidentally dropped their 23-month-old son during play, causing a traumatic brain injury before allegedly misleading the child’s parents about how seriously he had been hurt.
According to the lawsuit, Matthew Kittle and his wife are seeking damages from The Bay Clubs Company, claiming negligence, fraud, emotional distress and other legal violations following the March 17, 2025 incident.
Lawsuit Alleges Toddler Fell About Six Feet During Play
According to the complaint, Matthew Kittle left his 23-month-old son, identified only as C.K., in the care of employees at The Bay Club El Segundo while he visited another Bay Club facility approximately a mile away.
The lawsuit states that about an hour after the child was dropped off, a staff member allegedly tossed C.K. approximately six feet into the air but failed to catch him.
The complaint claims the toddler struck his head on a hardwood floor before the employee also fell on top of him.
According to the lawsuit, the child immediately began crying after the fall.
The allegations outlined in the complaint have not been proven in court.
Parents Say Club Minimized What Happened
The lawsuit alleges that staff initially contacted Matthew Kittle after the incident but told him they did not believe it was necessary for him to return immediately.
A short time later, employees reportedly called again, saying they were unable to calm the child and asking his father to pick him up.
When Matthew Kittle arrived, the lawsuit says he found his son with visible bruising, a swollen eye and swelling around his mouth.
After returning home, the family claims the toddler became extremely drowsy, lethargic and irritable, prompting further concern.
When the child’s mother later contacted the club seeking more information, the lawsuit alleges she was told her son had fallen no more than 1½ feet, with most of the impact affecting his arms and legs.
Medical Evaluation and Surveillance Video Told a Different Story, Lawsuit Claims
According to the complaint, a medical examination later determined that the child had suffered a concussion, blunt head trauma and facial abrasions, contradicting the explanation allegedly provided by club staff.
The lawsuit further claims that it was only after the family requested surveillance footage that they learned the full extent of the incident.
According to the complaint, the video showed a much more severe fall than the one initially described.
The family’s attorney, Ryan Saba, criticized the club’s handling of the incident.
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“The deception by the Bay Club of hiding this horrific incident from the parents is inexcusable. The day care facility should have the highest amount of care for the children, and if a child gets sick or injured, they should notify the parents with transparency and urgency.”
Lawsuit Also Questions Childcare Operations
In addition to negligence claims, the lawsuit alleges The Bay Club El Segundo was operating as an unlicensed daycare facility under circumstances that violated California childcare regulations.
The family also claims that C.K. continues to experience ongoing symptoms from the traumatic brain injury, including hearing loss.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and requests a jury trial. It accuses the club of negligence, negligent hiring, negligent infliction of emotional distress, intentional concealment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and battery.
In a statement, a representative for The Bay Clubs Company said the organization could not comment on the allegations because the case is ongoing.
“At the Bay Club, the safety of our members, team members, and the families we serve is our highest priority.”
The allegations remain part of a civil lawsuit, and the court has not determined whether the claims are valid.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should businesses that supervise children face stricter reporting requirements when accidents occur? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.