Meanwhile, Bestway sought to deflect blame onto Ellieanna’s grandparents, arguing that they failed to properly secure the pool area with fencing or provide adequate supervision. The company pursued these claims against the grandparents until last month, when it voluntarily dismissed them with prejudice.
By December 2024, Rural King was officially absolved of any liability, leaving Bestway as the sole defendant when the trial commenced on February 24. After roughly six hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the parents.
A Verdict That Brings Justice and Change
“In cases like this, no verdict can truly make the parents whole again,” Plattenberger said. “But this decision brings them one step closer to closure.”
In a statement following the verdict, he added, “We are honored to have stood by the Justice family. While no ruling can undo their heartbreak, we hope this verdict pushes for safer pool designs and prevents similar tragedies in the future.”
Legal Representation
Bestway USA Inc. is represented by David P. Bub and Brandon B. Copeland of Watters Wolf Bub & Hansmann LLC.
