Kickball fall turns cash cow for kid with broken ankle

Photo by Ian Meyer

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Smith's mother, Rachal Karstens, reached a financial settlement with Independent School District 77's insurance provider, EMC Insurance Companies, worth $25,000 in annuities, according to a papers filed in Blue Earth County District Court.

The accident happened when Smith slipped and fell on a file folder that her teacher had placed on the ground as a base during a kickball game.

It was an expensive fall. Medical expenses totaled about $12,000, most of it covered by UCare Minnesota. UCare will get about $3,600 in the settlement.

The lawyers will also get a piece of the action, of course. About $8,800 will be paid to the Mankato law firm Maschka, Riedy and Ries to cover fees and expenses.

District Court Judge George Harrelson will rule on the settlement Nov. 18. If he gives the deal his nod, Smith will get cash payments in increments, starting with $1,500 in 2014 on her 18th birthday. The annuity's total value by the time it's paid out on her 30th birthday, factoring in interest, is estimated to be about $20,000.