Woman Sues Topeka City Government For $1.3 Million After Falling 30 Feet Off Bridge
A woman recently filed a $1.3 million lawsuit against the Topeka city government after falling through the center median of the Kansas Avenue Bridge while trying to cross the street. Her claim alleges city officials failed to implement OSHA safety measures when it made improvements to the bridge in the late 1990s.
The case began in June 2014 when the plaintiff was looking for her ride home after being released from the Shawnee County jail. While traveling on foot on the sidewalk of the Kansas Avenue Bridge, the plaintiff noticed her ride home was on the other side of the median. In her attempt to cross the road to meet her friend, the plaintiff fell 30 feet below the bridge after traversing a concrete barrier.
The woman’s suit seeks $500,000 for disfigurement, $300,000 for medical bills and $250,000 each for “disability and loss of enjoyment” and “past present and future pain and suffering.” City officials are scheduled to take up the matter in early May.
City Officials Leaning Towards Denying The Victim’s Claim
Topeka’s city attorney indicated she will recommend the city deny the plaintiff’s claim, asserting the city may put forth a myriad of legal defenses to avoid liability in the case. Among possible defenses the city may assert would be a sign on the bridge indicating no foot access across the median.
Under Kansas’ comparative negligence laws, plaintiffs deemed to be at least 50 percent at fault for their own injuries may not be able to collect awards from the courts. Plaintiffs deemed to be less than 50 percent at fault may have their award reduced accordingly.
Kansas Personal Injury Lawsuits
Comparative negligence laws can make it difficult for plaintiffs to successfully prosecute claims against otherwise negligence parties. Defendants may often assert the victim was responsible for their own injuries thereby denying them justice.
For these reasons and many others, injury victims should strongly consider retaining a qualified Kansas personal injury attorney to aid them in their endeavor. Attorneys have the legal training and resources to properly prosecute these types of claims and impress upon courts the seriousness of the claim.
Kansas Personal Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved one was hurt due to the negligence or carelessness of another, contact The Morrison Law Firm by calling (913) 780-6666 for a free consultation about your case. Our experienced Kansas personal injury attorneys have years of experience aiding victims in their time of need and are fully prepared to do the same for you.
