Carthage R-9 files motion to dismiss former student's lawsuit

The Carthage R-9 School District filed a motion December 29 to dismiss a lawsuit brought against the district by a former student who was injured during a December 2019 demonstration at the Carthage Technical Center.

In the lawsuit, which was filed November 17 in Jasper County Circuit Court, Blake W. Beatty, 22, claims an explosion that occurred in a welding class under the guidance of instructor Tom Howard resulted in metal debris striking Beatty and causing him to "suffer injuries to his head, face, mouth, teeth, and jaw."

Beatty, who is represented by Joplin attorney Patrick Martucci of Johnson, Vorhees and Martucci, alleges negligence on the district's part. Listed as defendants are the Carthage R-9 Board of Education and the district.

In the motion to dismiss, attorney John Spurlock of Keck & Phillips LLC, a Springfield firm, asks the court to dismiss the lawsuit "for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted."

More details about the lawsuit and the accident that led to it can be found at the link below:

The Turner Report: Lawsuit against Carthage R-9 District claims student disfigured by explosion during demonstration (rturner229.blogspot.com)