Seattle To Pay $13 Million in Runner’s Sidewalk Injury Lawsuit

runner on paved trail

Ultramarathon Runner Awarded Compensation for Debilitating Fall

A jury has awarded over $13 million to an ultramarathon athlete who suffered debilitating injuries from a fall on a Seattle sidewalk in 2021. The verdict holds the city of Seattle and the nearby apartment building owners accountable for the hazardous condition that led to the accident.

Runner's Life Shattered by Seattle's Neglected Sidewalk

Lesley Mettler Auld, a 53-year-old professional fitness coach and accomplished ultramarathon runner, fell on a sidewalk in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood. The lawsuit details the sidewalk as being "perennially covered in water and algae," a condition corroborated by testimonies from other residents who had also fallen there. 

Mettler Auld sustained severe damage to her quadriceps muscle and required multiple surgeries. The injuries have left her permanently unable to run and significantly impede her ability to walk.

"Today, fully 34 months since the fall, I still have to pull myself up the stairs in my house on my hands and knees," Mettler Auld told the Seattle Times.

Mettler Auld's lawsuit argued that the city and the building owners failed to maintain the sidewalk in a safe condition, creating a hazard that led to her fall. The jury agreed, awarding her over $13 million.

Fill out the form by clicking here for a FREE case review; you may be entitled to compensation.

$13 Million Verdict for Injured Runner: Can You Sue for a Slip and Fall Accident?

The Mettler Auld case is a reminder of the legal responsibility property owners and municipalities have to maintain safe public spaces. Slip and fall accidents, a type of premises liability claim, occur when someone is injured on another's property due to a hazardous condition. Property owners can be held liable for injuries resulting from negligence in maintaining their premises.

Common causes of slip and fall personal injury accidents include:

  • Uneven flooring or carpeting
  • Poor lighting
  • Narrow or defective stairs
  • Wet or slippery floors
  • Cracked or broken sidewalks
  • Uneven outdoor surfaces, including potholes or obstructions

In order to receive compensation for a slip and fall accident, the injured person must have sustained some form of injury, however minor. Medical bills associated with treating the injuries become a basis for claiming financial damages. The severity of the injury can affect the amount of compensation awarded, with serious injuries typically leading to higher settlements.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident due to negligence of a property owner or municipality, you may be entitled to compensation. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can provide clarity on your situation and potential eligibility for compensation. Remember, pursuing a claim is not just about financial recovery; it's about seeking justice and support during your healing journey.

Click here for a FREE case review; you may be entitled to compensation.

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