The first lawsuit has been filed by a student from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School after the massacre on Valentine’s Day in which 17 people were murdered.
Anthony Borges, 15, who courageously used his body as a human shield to protect other students when the shooter targeted them, getting hit with five bullets and winding up with injuries so severe that he cannot walk, has joined his family to file suit against the Broward County sheriff’s office, the school resource officer, the Broward County school system and the principal at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Borges was hit by bullets twice in his right leg, once in his left leg and twice in his torso.
Borges’ attorney, Alex Arreaza, wrote in the lawsuit, “The failure of Broward County Public Schools, and of the principal and school resource officer to adequately protect students, and in particular our client, from life-threatening harm were unreasonable, callous and negligent action or inaction led to the personal injuries sustained by my client.”
Arreaza stated that Borges has “a great deal of difficulty performing rudimentary tasks for himself,” and has undergone several surgeries. He added, “By the grace of God he’s not No. 18. But it’s going to be a tough recovery … it’s a miracle that we’re even talking about recovery.’
Royer Borges, Anthony’s father, told ABC News after his son was wounded, “He just called me and says, ‘Dad, somebody shot me in the back and my leg, too.’ He’s my hero. … I only ask that people pray for him.”
Arreaza said Borges’ medical bills will definitely exceed $1 million. He also pointed out that Borges’ Boy Scout training helped save his life, because he knew how to create a tourniquet to stop his bleeding.
A Go Fund Me page has been created to help Borges and his family.