A fitness club in Southern California is facing a lawsuit after a child was injured at one of its childcare facilities. The parents, Matthew and Elena Kittle, have filed the lawsuit against The Bay Club, which operates multiple upscale locations, including one in El Segundo.
Incident Details
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on March 17, 2025, when their 23-month-old son, referred to as C.K., was at the El Segundo daycare center. An employee allegedly tossed him six feet into the air but failed to catch him. As a result, C.K. fell to the hardwood floor and the employee fell backward on top of him, causing a traumatic brain injury.
Allegations in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit accuses The Bay Club of various forms of negligence, including negligent hiring and supervision. It also alleges intentional infliction of emotional distress and battery, among other claims. The parents argue that the club minimized the seriousness of the fall when speaking with them.
The Club’s Response
The Bay Club stated its inability to comment on the ongoing litigation but emphasized its commitment to member safety.
The Bay Club LLC, operating across the West Coast, maintains a 14,000-square-foot childcare center at its El Segundo location. On the day of the incident, C.K.’s father left him at this facility and went to another club location a mile away.
Aftermath and Medical Assessment
The incident reportedly occurred at 9:20 a.m., and security footage was included in the lawsuit. The video shows an employee swinging C.K. by his hands before throwing him overhead. The child didn’t receive immediate medical attention from The Bay Club, and his father was informed of the need to pick him up due to injuries.
Upon examination, C.K. was found severely bruised and showing signs of a concussion. He visited the emergency room at a Torrance medical center, where staff questioned the club’s account of a minor fall. C.K. underwent various medical tests, confirming a concussion and other injuries.
Discrepancies and Further Claims
The club’s general manager initially claimed C.K. fell from a height of 1.5 feet. This was contrary to the video evidence, which the parents later reviewed, showing the child was indeed thrown much higher. The discrepancies led to further allegations against The Bay Club for trying to conceal the incident’s severity.
Additionally, the lawsuit claims the daycare was operating illegally. Under California law, childcare centers require proper licensing, which The Bay Club allegedly lacked.
Continued Health Concerns
As of April 2025, C.K. continued to suffer from symptoms related to the concussion, including light sensitivity, behavioral changes, and hearing loss. The parents are now seeking a jury trial and are demanding punitive damages and penalties.