A Dallas County jury has awarded $1.1 billion in damages to a young child and his family after finding his stepfather responsible for severe abuse that left the boy permanently disabled.
The defendant, Charles Brooks Jr., was held liable for inflicting catastrophic injuries on the child, who is now seven years old and requires lifelong medical care.
Allegations of Brutal Abuse
According to court filings, the child’s mother, Madison Ball, entrusted Brooks—her husband at the time—to care for her two-year-old son in 2021. Instead, the lawsuit claims Brooks assaulted the toddler, causing life-threatening injuries.
Brooks allegedly fabricated multiple stories about the incident, including claims that the child fell from a table, down stairs, or was involved in a car accident. However, medical findings contradicted these explanations.
Severe Injuries and Lifelong Impact
Doctors discovered the child suffered:
- A traumatic brain injury and brain bleeding
- Bite marks and multiple physical injuries
- Organ and neurological damage
The boy spent months in intensive care in a medically induced coma. Today, he is bedridden, depends on a breathing machine, and requires round-the-clock care for life, according to the lawsuit.
Threats and Delayed Medical Help
The lawsuit also alleges Brooks refused to call emergency services and threatened Ball when she attempted to seek help. Despite the threats, she contacted authorities, which ultimately led to medical intervention.
Criminal Conviction and Sentence
Brooks was arrested shortly after the incident and later fled before being captured. In 2023, he pleaded guilty to child injury charges and received a 40-year prison sentence.
Breakdown of the $1.1 Billion Verdict
The jury’s award includes:
- $291 million in compensatory damages for medical care and suffering
- $810 million in punitive damages to penalize the defendant’s actions
The case was represented by attorney Tony Buzbee, who described the abuse as extreme and emphasized accountability.
Background and Family Ties
Brooks is reportedly connected to a wealthy Texas family with ties to early investors in Humble Oil, now part of Exxon.