In a landmark decision, a jury has awarded over $13 million to Lesley Mettler Auld, an ultramarathon athlete who suffered severe injuries after falling on a sidewalk in Seattle in 2021. The jury found the city of Seattle and the owners of an apartment building responsible for the amount, holding them accountable for the incident.
Mettler Auld, 53, sustained significant damage to her quadriceps and underwent multiple surgeries following the fall. The injuries have left her unable to run again and struggling to walk. In a news release issued by her attorneys, she expressed the ongoing challenges she faces in her daily life.
“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 stated.
As a professional fitness coach, Mettler Auld has completed numerous ultramarathons, which are races longer than the traditional marathon distance of 26.2 miles (42.2 kilometers). Her attorneys highlighted her athletic achievements to underscore the impact the injuries have had on her life and career.
The lawsuit filed by Mettler Auld alleged that she fell on a section of sidewalk that was consistently wet and covered in algae. Testimonies from other residents in court confirmed that they too had experienced falls in the same location, further supporting her claim.
The spokesperson for the Seattle city attorney’s office declined to comment on the jury’s decision. The award of $13.1 million serves as a significant acknowledgment of the responsibility held by the city and the apartment building owners for maintaining safe and hazard-free public spaces.
This jury verdict emphasizes the importance of maintaining and ensuring the safety of sidewalks and public walkways. It serves as a reminder to both the city and property owners to diligently address any known hazards promptly to prevent future accidents and injuries.
