A bicyclist has sued the city of Ketchum for injuries allegedly sustained in a crash that occurred when he unexpectedly encountered steps while riding on a city sidewalk along Fourth Street near its intersection with Main Street.
Filed Jan. 18, the complaint also names Forsgren Associates engineers and construction contractor Burks Excavation as defendants.
Tom Morgan, who the complaint says is a resident of Ada and Blaine counties, states that the accident occurred in July 2010 when he didn't see the allegedly unmarked steps and was thrown over his handlebars, hitting his head on the brick pavers. He says he was temporarily partially paralyzed, unable to move his head, arms, knees or feet.
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The complaint states that Morgan was wearing a helmet at the time.
He was transported by ambulance to St. Luke's Wood River, then by helicopter to St. Luke's hospital in Boise.
"CAT scans and MRI studies revealed significant damage to Mr. Morgan's cervical spinal column and a four-level decompression and fusion was performed on July 26, 2010," the complaint states.
According to the complaint, Morgan spent 15 days in the hospital.
The suit is seeking an unspecified amount in damages for past and future medical expenses and for pain and suffering. Morgan is represented by Boise attorney David Comstock.
According to the complaint, warning stripes on the sidewalk at the top of the steps were applied after the accident.
Greg Moore:gmoore@mtexpress.com
