An Oakland resident is threatening to sue the city of Mountain View for upward of $1 million after he reportedly broke his leg during a corporate team-building game at Shoreline Park.
The plaintiff, identified as Jian Chen, says the accident happened on the morning of April 17 at a grassy area west of Shoreline Lake that was reserved for a workforce event arranged by his employer, VMware. Chen and his co-workers lined up and donned vests to play a game similar to tag.
As the game began, Chen says he slipped on the wet grass and fell down an unmarked slope. The tumble ended up breaking his right femur, which required him to be taken by ambulance to El Camino Hospital. The injury later required surgery, and he still has not fully recovered, according to his complaint.
In a claim filed with Mountain View, Chen alleges city officials should be responsible for covering his costs because they are responsible for the safety of the park grounds. The full cost of accident surpasses $1 million, including medical expenses and loss of earnings, according to his claim.
Chen's legal threat was discussed by the City Council in closed session at its Oct. 22 meeting.
Comments
Monta Loma
on Oct 31, 2019 at 9:39 am
on Oct 31, 2019 at 9:39 am
I'm not sure the city is able to prevent grass from being damp. The organizer of the event may not be able to prevent such an injury unless they restrict employees that are unable to conduct physical behavior.
Maybe have every participant sign a release.
Registered user
Sylvan Park
on Oct 31, 2019 at 9:47 am
Registered user
on Oct 31, 2019 at 9:47 am
Who would have ever imagined that grass could get wet and slippery? Surely not the "victim." Just pay him what he deserves: $000.00.
Cuesta Park
on Oct 31, 2019 at 10:25 am
on Oct 31, 2019 at 10:25 am
This guy goes to Shoreline and slipped on wet grass, and BLAMES THE CITY?!? Does he even have eyes to see where he is walking? Instead of blaming the city why not take responsibility for your own actions? He should have thought it out instead of playing a game of 'tag' with his coworkers. Seems like he's lacking common sense, next time wear a helmet when you ride your bike.
Cuesta Park
on Oct 31, 2019 at 10:49 am
on Oct 31, 2019 at 10:49 am
Wouldn't workers' compensation cover this, since he was at a corporate event? And state or VMware disability insurance should cover the lost wages. Seems like he shouldn't have to sue the city to be made whole, and it's impossible to prevent grass from getting wet in April.
Martens-Carmelita
on Oct 31, 2019 at 2:35 pm
on Oct 31, 2019 at 2:35 pm
Go after deep pockets. But doesn't VMware have deeper pockets than the city?
Rengstorff Park
on Oct 31, 2019 at 3:34 pm
on Oct 31, 2019 at 3:34 pm
The city should sue Chen for destroying our beautiful grassy fields we try so hard to keep wet and moist.
Typical these days that no one wants to take responsibility for their own actions
Sylvan Park
on Oct 31, 2019 at 3:46 pm
on Oct 31, 2019 at 3:46 pm
I recall that our company stopped doing these kind of activities since one guy hurt his knee and needed a surgery. Even to participate in a volleyball tournament you have to sign a release form now.
Another Mountain View Neighborhood
on Oct 31, 2019 at 5:00 pm
on Oct 31, 2019 at 5:00 pm
Why is there no way to "Like" a comment?? Some of these comments are only a couple of hours old. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to when we can "Like" a comment or even when we can post a comment.
I agree with most of these comments. How exactly can a broken femur cost over a million dollars? If this suit goes forward the city should sue the employer for not properly vetting the employees participating in this event.
What a waste of time for the city to have to deal with this situation.
another community
on Oct 31, 2019 at 8:40 pm
on Oct 31, 2019 at 8:40 pm
This person should sue his employer, since the accident happened during company activity which counted for job related. It’s classified as on job injury. There is Nothing to do with the city.
Rex Manor
on Oct 31, 2019 at 11:39 pm
on Oct 31, 2019 at 11:39 pm
Really?! Frivolous lawsuits like this are a big waste of resources and time. The plaintiff would have fallen and hurt himself regardless of whether the slope had been marked or not.
another community
on Nov 1, 2019 at 1:27 pm
on Nov 1, 2019 at 1:27 pm
"Unmarked slope?" Shoreline Park is Do we now need to post signs warning people of every slope in the park?
Registered user
another community
on Nov 1, 2019 at 3:03 pm
Registered user
on Nov 1, 2019 at 3:03 pm
He was employed by VMWare. This is an example of why his company provices Health Insurance and Sick Leave. He doesn't need or deserve a penny from the city.