A lawsuit alleging negligence after a Missouri Military Academy cadet was hospitalized for septic shock was filed against the institution on Oct. 20.

The lawsuit stems from allegations that a 14-year-old cadet, referred to in court documents as S.B., was violently attacked by two older cadets in two separate instances. It also claims S.B. was denied immediate medical treatment after he developed pneumonia, which led to a prolonged ICU hospitalization for septic shock. 

The lawsuit alleges two counts of negligence against MMA, claiming that the institution failed to provide adequate emergency medical intervention and fosters an environment of bullying, depravity and predatory behavior. The lawsuit was filed by St. Louis-based Onder Law, LLC.

A statement issued by Missouri Military Academy President Richard V. Geraci said the allegations are false and without merit. 

“Nothing is more important to us than our cadets’ safety, health and well-being,” Geraci said. “We unequivocally deny the allegations in this lawsuit, which are false and without merit. We will vigorously defend against these claims in court.”

According to the lawsuit, S.B. began attending MMA in fall 2024 and was subjected to a pattern of physical and mental abuse as well as hazing activities during the 2024-25 school year. The first instance happened in early November 2024, when S.B. was beaten by two unnamed cadets with tube socks filled with padlocks, referred to as “locksocks,” in the barracks.

The second attack occurred later that month while S.B. was alone and changing in the locker room, the lawsuit said. The same two cadets allegedly targeted S.B., cornered him in the locker room, pushed him against the lockers and began punching him repeatedly. 

The lawsuit alleges that MMA failed to provide adequate security and that the institution “knew or should have known about” the older cadets’ violent propensities.

According to the petition, S.B. began exhibiting severe symptoms of illness on Jan. 15, 2025. He repeatedly notified MMA staff of his condition and requested medical evaluation and treatment. On Jan. 18, 2025, he was taken to the emergency room by his parent, referred to as R.B. in court documents, and was discharged later that day.

A month later, on Feb. 4, 2025, S.B.’s condition worsened and he began showing symptoms of sweating, confusion, fatigue, nausea and dizziness, the lawsuit said. The following day, MMA employees characterized his symptoms as a panic attack, but S.B. had unknowingly developed pneumonia. Emergency medical services were notified of the cadet’s condition on Feb. 11, 2025 when his symptoms persisted and S.B. presented with cyanotic lips and fingers and increased shortness of breath.

According to court documents, S.B. was taken to a hospital where he was diagnosed with pneumonia and septic shock. He required intensive care in the pediatric ICU as a direct result of the delay in treatment.

The lawsuit claims S.B. has permanent physiological and psychological injuries.

“When any concern about cadet conduct or health is raised, we act promptly,” Geraci said. “We follow our established procedures and all applicable laws, notify and involve parents, and work with outside agencies when appropriate.”

He added, “We are proud of and care for the young men who attend the Academy, and we are proud of the positive educational environment we provide, one built on transparent communication and strong partnership with our parents.”

MMA was served on Oct. 29. The petition requests a jury trial and $25,000 in damages for each count.