SEATTLE — A King County jury has awarded $13.1 million to Lesley Mettler Auld, an ultramarathon runner who suffered severe injuries after tripping on a neglected Seattle sidewalk. The verdict holds both the city of Seattle and the owners of a nearby apartment building liable for the accident that occurred in 2021.
Auld, 53, a seasoned athlete and professional fitness coach, was navigating a sidewalk in the Queen Anne neighborhood when she encountered a section notoriously slick with algae and water. Her fall resulted in devastating injuries to her quadriceps, necessitating several surgeries and leaving her unable to run or walk properly.
In her statement, Auld shared the enduring impact of the accident. “I still have to pull myself up the stairs using my hands and knees,” she revealed, illustrating the profound physical limitations she continues to endure, over two years later.
The case resonated widely due to Mettler Auld’s prominence in the athletic community. Known for completing grueling ultramarathons—races extending beyond the traditional marathon distance—the injury abruptly halted her career and significantly altered her daily life.
Throughout the trial, other residents of Queen Anne testified, corroborating Auld’s claims by admitting to having also fallen on the same poorly maintained stretch of sidewalk. Their testimonies highlighted ongoing neglect and safety hazards present in the area.
The city of Seattle, when approached for comment on the matter, opted not to respond, with the city attorney’s office officially declining to issue a statement.
The jury’s decision not only reflects the significant physical and emotional toll suffered by Auld but also serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities city officials and property owners have in maintaining public walkways. The verdict could potentially prompt other municipalities to reevaluate their own infrastructure to prevent such incidents.
Legal experts suggest that this case could set a significant precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, emphasizing the importance of pedestrian safety and the legal accountability of both municipal and private entities in maintaining public spaces.
As Auld adjusts to a life markedly different from the one she led, her case serves as a stark testament to the ongoing issues surrounding urban infrastructure and public safety. Her hope, as echoed by her legal team, is that this verdict will inspire necessary changes to prevent similar accidents from occurring to others.