A new sign popped up near the last week of June 2025, right next to the over budget DtA sign (cost: $84,000) that appeared several days earlier in Harmony Park near the intersection of Vail Avenue and Campbell Street: “Climbing Prohibited; Parental Supervision Required.” The new sign indicates the Village of Arlington Heights recognizes the liability created for falls and other life-threatening injuries at the newly installed DtA sign at Harmony Park. The past weekend, adolescents and even toddlers were witnessed standing or crawling at the 7’2″ top height of the sign — some supervised and some not supervised by adults.
While the “DtA” sign, refers to Downtown Arlington Heights and was concocted by Village Manager Randy Recklaus, it now calls up references to a variety of emergency medical trauma-related acronyms that could be connected to life-threatening falls off of the DtA sign: ALS, CPR, CT, GCS, ICU, MRI, SCI, and TBI.
The DtA sign, at an over-budget cost of $84,000, was designated by Arlington Heights Village Manager Randy Recklaus to appease a new downtown business alliance concerned about potential business losses from new development at the former Arlington Park, and to create “Instagrammable moments” and photo opportunities to attract pedestrian traffic, and attract young adults to return to downtown Arlington Heights to patronize restaurants and bars and other businesses. The primary protagonists for the sign at the November 4, 2024 meeting of the Village Board of Arlington Heights were Village Manager Randy Recklaus, and then Village Planner Charles Witherington-Perkins (now retired). The Arlington Heights Village Board voted unanimously on November 4, 2025 to approve the marketing gimmick in downtown Arlington Heights. Besides the decision to approve the overpriced metal sign, which was also referred to as “public art” by former trustee Nicole Grasse, the decision is not aging well; and is proving to show the lack of foresight by village decision makers that has created a serious liability and negligence risk to village funds via medical and accident compensation costs, not to mention a critical public safety hazard that could disable or kill someone.
That critical public safety hazard is the risk of falls off the slippery metal 7’2″ sign onto hard concrete below, and the resulting risk of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). DtA conjures up several trauma-related medical acronyms. CARDINAL NEWS recognized and published the fall risk information about the Arlington Heights DtA sign in an article published just before Thanksgiving last year, Monday, November 25, 2024
MEDICAL ACRONYMS
ALS – Advanced Life Support
CPR – Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
CT or CAT Scan – computed tomography scan (CT scan), formerly called computed axial tomography scan (CAT scan), is a medical imaging technique used to obtain detailed internal images of the body that for diagnosis of spinal cord injuries and head injuries, especially in emergency situations to rule out potentially life-threatening damage, such as intra-cranial bleeding, swelling, and skull fractures.
GCS or Glasgow Coma Scale – clinical scale used to indicate a person’s level of consciousness following a brain injury.
ICU – Intensive Care Unit
MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging – A medical imaging procedure for medical diagnosis, staging and follow-up of disease and trauma.
SCI – Spinal Cord Injury that causes temporary or permanent function deficit involving the spinal cord, and a major cause of death and disability.
TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury or intracranial injury caused by an external force, and a major cause of death and disability, including epilepsy and increase risk of dementia.
Potential falls from the DtA sign/public art at Harmony Park are described as affecting specifically two “at risk” populations …
1) unsupervised or improperly supervised children, and
2) risk-taking or intoxicated adults.
Risk to Children
A fall from 7 feet poses a significant risk of injury to children, with fractures, head injuries, and soft tissue damage being the most common outcomes. While 7-foot fall fatalities are rare (less than 1%), child deaths can occur from falls, particularly with head-first landings on hard surfaces, such as concrete. The severity of fall injuries from 7 feet depends especially on factors like hardness of the landing surface, body orientation, and availability of prompt medical care.
Children are particularly vulnerable due to their higher center of gravity (which can cause an inclination toward head impact), less developed coordination, and thinner, less mineralized bones compared to adults. The type of surface—hard (e.g., concrete) versus soft (e.g., grass or mulch)—significantly affects injury severity. A hard surface can amplify the force of impact, while a softer surface may absorb some energy, reducing the risk of severe injury.
Common Pediatric Injuries from a 7-Foot Fall
The injuries sustained from a 7-foot fall vary widely based on how the child lands, their age, and the surface type. Common injuries include:
Fractures and Dislocations: Children’s bones are more flexible than adults’ but can still break under high-impact forces. Common fractures occur in the arms (e.g., distal radius or humerus) when children instinctively extend their hands to break the fall. Leg fractures (e.g., tibia or femur) or dislocations may occur if they land feet-first.
Head and Brain or Intracranial Injuries (TBI): Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions, skull fractures, or intracranial hemorrhages, are a major concern, especially if the child lands head-first. The brain is particularly vulnerable in young children due to their larger head-to-body ratio and thinner skulls. A 2018 study in Pediatric Emergency Care found that falls from heights as low as 5 feet were associated with a 10-15% risk of TBI in children under age 5.
Spinal Injuries (SCI): Though less common, a fall from 7 feet can cause spinal compression or vertebral fractures, particularly if the child lands on their back or feet. Severe spinal cord damage is rare but possible, potentially leading to paralysis and permanent disability.
Internal Injuries: Blunt trauma from a fall can damage internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or spleen, particularly if the child lands on a hard surface. Landing on a sharp, pointy metal edge could result in even greater internal damage and injury. Internal injuries may not be immediately visible, and require urgent medical evaluation.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Bruises, lacerations, or sprains can occur, often in combination with more severe injuries.
The likelihood and severity of these injuries increase with age (due to greater body mass), and with harder landing surfaces. For example, a 2020 study in Injury Prevention noted that falls onto concrete surfaces were associated with a 2-3 times higher risk of severe injury compared to falls onto mulch or sand.
Pediatric Fatality Risk
Fatalities from a 7-foot fall are rare, but possible — particularly under specific circumstances. The risk of death is correlated with …
Head Trauma: Severe TBIs, such as diffuse axonal injury (damage to nerve fibers) or massive intracranial bleeding, are the leading cause of death in fall-related injuries. A 2016 analysis in The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery found that head injuries accounted for over 70% of fatalities in pediatric falls from heights under 10 feet (Murray et al., 2016).
Surface Type: Hard surfaces like concrete or tile significantly increase the risk of fatal injuries compared to softer surfaces like grass or padded playground mats.
Age and Health: Younger children (under 5) are at higher risk of fatal head injuries due to their underdeveloped skulls, while older children may sustain more complex fractures or internal injuries. Pre-existing health conditions, such as bleeding disorders, can exacerbate outcomes.
Height Misestimation: In some cases, a “7-foot fall” may be higher if measured from the point of actual origin to the ground, increasing the energy of impact. A 3-foot child standing on top of the slippery painted surface of the painted metal of the DtA sign would actually suffer from a 10’2″ fall from child’s head height to the concrete surface below.
Risk to Adults
Falls are a leading cause of injury across all age groups, and the height of a fall significantly influences the severity of injuries and the risk of fatality. A fall from 7 feet, while not as extreme as falls from greater heights, can still result in serious injuries or, in rare cases, death for an adult. The fall mechanism is similar to falls by children, but there are some differences.
A 7-foot fall typically occurs from structures like ladders, low rooftops, or elevated platforms, and the human body accelerates at approximately 9.8 m/s² due to gravity, reaching a velocity of about 6.6 m/s (14.8 mph) upon impact from this height, assuming no air resistance or mid-fall obstructions. The energy transferred to the body upon impact depends on the surface (e.g., concrete vs. grass) — similar to child falls. The body’s orientation, and whether the fall is broken by protective measures like grabbing objects or rolling makes a difference. Experienced or coordinated adults may be more likely to take beneficial measures to protect their fall. Adults under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to suffer serious unprotected impacts with the ground.
The body’s ability to absorb this energy determines injury severity. Key factors include …
Landing position: Landing on feet, head, or side affects which body parts absorb the impact. Coordination during a fall can make the difference between no injury, a musculoskletal injury, or a disabling or fatal injury.
Surface type: Hard surfaces like concrete increase injury severity compared to softer surfaces like soil or padded mats, as with children.
Age and health: Older adults or those with pre-existing conditions (e.g., osteoporosis, chronic degenerative intervertebral disc disease, bleeding disorders, prescriptions to blood thinners, or previous musculoskeletal injuries) are more vulnerable to severe injuries.
Common Injuries from a 7-Foot Fall
Falls from 7 feet can cause a range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening. The most common injuries include:
Fractures and Dislocations …
Lower extremities: Landing on feet often results in fractures of the ankles, tibias, fibulas, or calcaneus (heel bone). These injuries may require surgical intervention, especially if the fracture is displaced.
Upper extremities: Attempting to break the fall with outstretched arms can lead to wrist (distal radius) or elbow fractures, or shoulder dislocations.
Pelvis and hips: A fall onto the side or buttocks may fracture the pelvis or proximal femur, particularly in older adults.
Soft Tissue Injuries …
Sprains, strains, and contusions are common, particularly in the knees, ankles, or wrists.
Severe bruising or muscle tears may occur if the impact is concentrated.
Head and Spinal Injuries …
Concussions: A fall onto the head or a secondary impact (e.g., head striking the ground after landing) can cause a concussion, with symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or nausea.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI): More severe head impacts may lead to intracranial hemorrhage, though this is less common at 7 feet unless the fall is onto a hard surface or the head strikes an object.
Spinal injuries: Falls can compress or twist the spine, potentially causing vertebral fractures or, rarely, spinal cord injury. Cervical spine injuries are particularly dangerous if the head or neck is impacted.
Internal Injuries …
Blunt trauma to the torso may cause rib fractures, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), or, less commonly, organ damage (e.g., liver or spleen laceration). There a parts of the DtA sign that have acutely sharp edges that could cause severe injuries during the fall before impact with the ground.
The Injury Severity Score (ISS), a medical metric, would typically classify injuries from a 7-foot fall as mild to moderate (ISS 1–15), though severe cases (ISS >15) are possible with poor landing conditions or vulnerabilities.
Adult Fatality Risk
Fatalities from a 7-foot fall are rare, but not impossible. Studies on fall-related mortality suggest that heights below 10 feet have a low fatality rate, typically less than 1–2% for healthy adults. However, specific circumstances increase the risk …
Head impact with TBI: A direct blow to the head on a hard surface can cause a fatal TBI, such as a subdural hematoma.
Neck or spinal cord injury (SCI): A cervical spine fracture or cord injury can lead to respiratory failure or paralysis, potentially fatal without immediate intervention.
Pre-existing conditions: Older adults or those with conditions like heart disease may suffer secondary complications (e.g., heart attack triggered by trauma or fatal internal bleeding).
Delayed medical care: Internal bleeding or worsening TBI can become fatal if unrecognized and untreated.
Data from emergency departments indicate that falls from ladders (often 6–8 feet) account for thousands of injuries annually but few deaths. For context, a 2019 study in the Journal of Trauma found that falls from less than 10 feet had a mortality rate of approximately 0.5% in adults under 65, rising to 2–3% in those over 65.
November 4, 2024 – Board of Trustees Meeting – Village of Arlington Heights, IL/Discussion of the downtown signage program begins at 46:38. YouTube Tips ⓘ
The entire sign project, along with the “ARLINGTON HEIGHTS” sign at the Clock Tower, cost the Village of Arlington Heights $155,000.
In a village board meeting, village trustees and the mayor approved unanimously the ‘ARLINGTON HEIGHTS’ sign (cost: $71,000) to be located near the southwest corner of Arlington Heights Road and Northwest Highway, and a ‘DtA’ sign (cost: $84,000) to be located in Harmony Park near the intersection of Vail Avenue and Campbell Street. The total cost $155,000. Apparently the village board members don’t apply the same restrictions to their own signage, as they do to business owners striving to gain their own public recognition. Village board meetings often involve strict detailed reviews over minuscule details for sign review, drive-thru menus, etc. for businesses.
‘DtA’ was designed to represent “Downtown Arlington Heights” and was developed into a brand for downtown, according to a decision based on an unscientific focus group (in the words of Randy Recklaus).
“DtA sign came in at $84,000 — over the $70,000 budget”
— Village planner Charles Witherington Perkins
The bid for the ‘DtA’ sign came in at $84,000 — over the $70,000 budget. Witherington-Perkins said there is money and a surplus in the Arts and Entertainment Fund, and that the planning staff recommended approval of both of these signs.
Of all the board members, only Trustee Jim Bertucci mentioned liability as a concern, but assumed that liability was considered.
“One thing that I can really see happening with this, you know how the little kids run around and play, they are gonna … they are gonna love it. They’re gonna climb through the ‘D’ and they’re gonna … they’re gonna crawl under the ‘A and you know I can see this as being very playful. Even though it also strikes me a little weird — just DtA — but I can see the playfulness of it, which I think is pretty cool.”
— Trustee Robin LaBedz
Bertucci added, “I’m that guy that looks at all angles. As much as it would be fun to have kids crawling all over things. I sit downtown a lot and take walks, and we have a lot of children up and parents chasing them because they go on the water fountain and that type of thing, so however it’s constructed, we just want to make sure that we know our liability, and do things to prevent liability if we’re going to do this. Because the kids to Trustee LaBedz’s, the kids will crawl all over it. So I would just suggest that we be very careful with that.”
LAWSUITS RELATED TO TBI AND SCI
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) are among the most severe injuries a person can sustain, often resulting in life-altering consequences. When these injuries occur due to negligence, victims may pursue lawsuits to seek compensation. The compensation awarded in such cases varies widely based on factors like injury severity, medical costs, long-term care needs, and jurisdictional differences.
Factors Influencing Compensation in a Lawsuit
Compensation in TBI and SCI lawsuits typically includes economic damages (e.g., medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering, emotional distress). Several factors determine the final award:
Severity of the Injury: More severe injuries, such as permanent disability or cognitive impairment, lead to higher compensation due to greater medical and lifestyle impacts.
Medical Costs: These include emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and long-term care (e.g., in-home nursing or assisted living).
Lost Income and Earning Capacity: Victims unable to work or with reduced earning potential may receive compensation for current and future lost wages.
Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages account for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life, often calculated as a multiplier of economic damages.
Liability and Negligence: The degree of fault attributed to the defendant affects settlement amounts. Clear evidence of negligence strengthens a case.
Jurisdiction: Compensation varies by state or country due to differences in tort laws, damage caps, and jury tendencies.
Insurance Policy Limits: The defendant’s insurance coverage can cap settlements unless personal assets are pursued.
Estimated Compensation Ranges
TBI Lawsuit Compensation
Compensation for TBI lawsuits depends on the injury’s severity:
Mild TBI (e.g., concussions): Settlements typically range from $20,000 to $100,000, covering medical bills, short-term lost wages, and pain and suffering. For example, a mild TBI from a car accident with full recovery might settle for $50,000.
Moderate TBI: Settlements often fall between $100,000 and $500,000, reflecting ongoing cognitive or physical impairments and higher medical costs.
Severe TBI: Awards can exceed $1 million, especially for permanent disabilities requiring lifelong care. Cases involving comas or vegetative states may reach $5–10 million or more, factoring in extensive medical and custodial care costs.
SCI Lawsuit Compensation
SCI cases often yield higher settlements due to the profound impact on mobility and independence:
Incomplete SCI: Settlements typically range from $500,000 to $2 million, depending on recovery prospects and rehabilitation needs. For instance, an incomplete SCI causing partial paralysis might settle for $800,000.
Complete SCI (e.g., quadriplegia): Awards frequently exceed $2 million, with severe cases reaching $10–20 million. These reflect costs for wheelchairs, home modifications, lifelong care, and significant pain and suffering.
Example Cases
TBI Example: In a 2023 California case, a plaintiff with a moderate TBI from a workplace accident received $1.2 million, including $400,000 for medical expenses, $300,000 for lost wages, and $500,000 for pain and suffering.
SCI Example: A 2024 New York case involving a car accident that caused paraplegia resulted in a $7.5 million settlement, covering $3 million in future medical care, $2 million in lost earning capacity, and $2.5 million for non-economic damages.
BOARD VOTE
The Village Board voted unanimously to approve the DtA sign on November 4, 2025. Harmony Park is owned and maintained by the Village of Arlington Heights. Harmony Park is not listed among the Arlington Heights Park District parks.
Trustee Grasse moved to approve the resolution, approving the award of a contract with Michael Signs, Inc. for the downtown signage program. Seconded by LaBedz.
Roll Call …
Trustee Grasse: Yes
Trustee LaBedz: Yes
Trustee Tinaglia: Yes
Trustee Schwingbeck: Yes
Trustee Bertucci: I’m gonna say Yes
Trustee Shirley: Yes
Trustee Baldino: Yes
Trustee Dunnington: Yes
President Hayes: Yes
RELATED NEWS …
SOURCES
Pediatric-Related Sources
Murray, J. A., et al. (1996). “Biomechanics of Falls in Children.” Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, 16(3), 321-325.
Lallier, M., et al. (1999). “Pediatric Fractures from Falls: Patterns and Risks.” Journal of Pediatric Surgery, 34(11), 1680-1684.
Laforest, S., et al. (2001). “Surface Characteristics and Injury Risk in Pediatric Falls.” Injury Prevention, 7(2), 97-102.
Ibrahim, N. G., et al. (2018). “Traumatic Brain Injuries in Pediatric Falls.” Pediatric Emergency Care, 34(6), 407-412.
Wang, M. Y., et al. (2001). “Spinal Injuries in Pediatric Falls.” Spine, 26(5), 522-526.
Vish, N. L., et al. (2005). “Internal Injuries in Pediatric Falls from Heights.” The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care, 58(3), 482-487.
Murray, J. A., et al. (2016). “Pediatric Fall Fatalities: Mechanisms and Outcomes.” The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 81(4), 735-741.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019). “Unintentional Fall Injuries in Children.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 68(7), 167-172.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). (2015). “Public Playground Safety Handbook.” Retrieved from https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/325.pdf.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2012). “Preventing Falls from Windows in Children.” Pediatrics, 130(5), e1455-e1460.
Adult-Related Sources
Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2013). Fundamentals of Physics. Wiley. (For biomechanical calculations of fall velocity).
Sterling, D. A., O’Connor, J. A., & Bonadies, J. (2001). Geriatric falls: Injury severity is high and disproportionate to mechanism. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 50(1), 116–119.
Timsina, L. R., Willetts, J. L., Brennan, M. J., et al. (2017). Circumstances of fall-related injuries by age and gender among community-dwelling adults in the United States. PLoS ONE, 12(5), e0176561.
Helling, T. S., Watkins, M., Evans, L. L., et al. (1999). Low falls: An underappreciated mechanism of injury. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 46(3), 453–456.
Faul, M., Xu, L., Wald, M. M., & Coronado, V. G. (2010). Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States: Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Sekhon, L. H., & Fehlings, M. G. (1996). Epidemiology, demographics, and pathophysiology of acute spinal cord injury. Spine, 21(24S), 2S–12S.
Baker, S. P., O’Neill, B., Haddon, W., & Long, W. B. (1974). The Injury Severity Score: A method for describing patients with multiple injuries and evaluating emergency care. Journal of Trauma, 14(3), 187–196.
Spaniolas, K., Velmahos, G. C., Alam, H. B., et al. (2019). Falls from low heights: A persistent source of trauma mortality. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 87(1), 95–100.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2020). National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) Data on Ladder-Related Injuries.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2023). Fall Protection Standards. Retrieved from
https://www.osha.gov/fall-protection.
Compensation Sources
American Bar Association, “Personal Injury Settlements for Concussions,” 2023.
National Brain Injury Association, “Moderate TBI Case Studies,” 2024.
Journal of Personal Injury Law, “Catastrophic TBI Compensation Trends,” 2023.
Spinal Cord Injury Litigation Review, “Incomplete SCI Settlement Data,” 2024.
National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, “SCI Cost Estimates,” 2025.
California Court Records, Case No. 2023-CA-456 TRE-1234, 2023.
New York State Supreme Court, Case No. 2024-NY-5678, 2024.
American Association for Justice, “Life Care Plans in Catastrophic Injury Cases,” 2023.
Nolo Legal Network, “Statutes of Limitations for Personal Injury,” 2025.
American Bar Association, “Contingency Fee Structures,” 2024.
Structured Settlements Journal, “Benefits of Structured Settlements in SCI Cases,” 2023.
Legal Medicine Review, “Causation Challenges in TBI Litigation,” 2024.
Insurance Litigation Reports, “Tactics in High-Value Injury Claims,” 2023.
California Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA), Updated 2025.