Knockerball MidMo ordered to pay Boone Co. man nearly $45 million in lawsuit

A Cole County judge ruled in favor of a man Thursday who was paralyzed after reportedly getting injured at Knockerball MidMo.

Knockerball MidMo is located inside Capital Mall in Jefferson City.

ABC 17 News reported that Derek Hart, 25, filed the original lawsuit in January after he reportedly suffered a spinal injury that permanently paralyzed his arms and legs.

The judge ordered the business pay Hart more than $44.6 million in damages in the lawsuit. The large amount is for nearly $20 million in medical bills, a life care plan and other expenses.

ABC 17 News went to Capital Mall on Friday and found that it is still open for those who want to take their chances. But those who do may not fully realize the risks.

The lawsuit says there were no posted safety warnings or safety instructions given when Hart was injured in December 2016.

Multiple other media outlets across the country have reported on other people who have suffered brain injuries and other serious injuries from playing in the inflatable rubber balls.

ABC 17 News checked on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website and found no recalls or warnings on Knockerball or any similar brand.

ABC 17 News also contacted the Missouri Attorney General’s Office late Friday afternoon to see if any complaints have been filed against Knockerball MidMo. We were forwarded to the consumer protection unit and have not heard back yet.

The only warning ABC 17 News could find was through a link in small print at the bottom of the page on the parent company’s website.

ABC 17 News contacted Knockerball MidMo and its lawyer about the judgement. Both said they had no comment due to pending further litigation.

A separate lawsuit is pending against the parent company, Knockerball USA; the product supplier, Zoom Sports Products; and Capital Mall.

ABC 17 News also contacted Hart’s lawyer about the judgment and has not heard back.