California runner sues Nike after breaking leg on 'dream run'

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Reuters

California runner sues Nike after breaking leg on 'dream run'
Reuters
By Shelby Sebens
11 hours ago

PORTLAND, Ore. (Reuters) - A Los Angeles distance runner who fell and broke her leg on a Nike Inc "dream run" adventure in Iceland has sued the sportswear maker for $1.3 million, claiming the run was unsafe, according to her lawsuit.

Kate Freeman of Los Angeles filed a lawsuit on Friday in Multnomah County Circuit Court seeking $1.3 million from the Beaverton, Oregon-based company.

"During the second leg, participants encountered snow and ice on mountain trails in dark conditions. Participants did not have necessary running and safety equipment. The guides became disoriented and lost ... during the run," the lawsuit says.

During the run, Freeman lost her footing, dislocating her ankle and breaking her leg, according to the lawsuit.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/california-runner-sues-nike-breaking-leg-dream-run-223053061--finance.html

[jberryhill]

1. Just a reminder...

Her health insurer may be passing the buck to Nike's liability insurer.

[Bibliovore]

2. Entirely true. But...

...here's an article with a few more details and a link to the lawsuit:
http://www.oregonlive.com/beaverton/index.ssf/2015/11/runner_who_broke_leg_on_dreamy.html

If the claims are true that the run wound up being delayed until after dark and that "runners were allowed only to wear Nike gear or gear provided by Nike" ("The run could have been a lot safer if Nike had let participants use non-Nike gear -- including spikes or other traction devices, poles and lighting devices&quot , she may well have a case. And if so, then as it's stated that she's already required multiple surgeries and is a distance-running coach (so depending on recovery may well have to stop running and/or change careers), the amount doesn't actually seem that unreasonable -- except that part of it is her husband "seeking up to $250,000 for loss of society, companionship, consortium and services." Bleh.

[jberryhill]

3. On that last part

When the suit is filed, all possible claims are put on the table or they are waived.

Obviously, she is an accomplished runner and has a running career so, no, the amount doesn't seem unreasonable.

[brush]

4. Seems like it should be even higher

She's a runner and running coach. Who knows if she will ever recover fully and be able to resume not just running but her coaching career.

Nike certainly has the money to compensate her for her losses.