LA County to OK Settlement in Cheer Accident

Los Angeles County is expected to approve a $5.5 million medical malpractice settlement to help care for a Redondo Beach teenager who fell during a cheerleading stunt.

The county Board of Supervisors will vote this week on the settlement involving 15-year-old Elizabeth Nicks.

Family attorney William Karns says the girl was taken to County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center after the fall and was treated for brain bleeding. He says she was released after five days but was returned the next morning with massive brain damage, retardation and paralysis. Karns says she will need constant care the rest of her life.

County attorney Rich Mason says he is glad the county and family could agree on a settlement. Under the agreement, the county will admit no liability or fault.