Parents of teen claim school failed to treat asthma, causing severe brain damage

The parents of a 14-year-old girl are suing the Lakeville school district and a school nurse claiming their daughter suffered permanent brain damage after an asthma attack during physical education class.

In the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court this week, Marquetta Silva and Kenyatta Bowen say their daughter Aaliyah Bowen will be in a persistent vegetative state for the rest of her life.

They say the teen had an asthma attack April 19 at McGuire Middle School and went to the school nurse, who allegedly administered an albuterol nebulizer before sending the girl to gym class.

Silva and Bowen claim in court documents that school staff were aware of instructions from a pulmonologist that Aaliyah be monitored closely after receiving the treatment, but failed to follow the physician’s orders.

After Aaliyah went to class, her condition worsened, she lost consciousness, and was deprived of oxygen for a half hour. Her parents are seeking $10 million.

In a statement, Lakeville Area Schools said while saddened by the incident, the district is not responsible for the girl's injuries.

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