Triathlon Volunteer Receives $7 Million Settlement

A volunteer for the Los Angeles Triathlon received a settlement of $7 million from the City of Los Angeles after being rendered a paraplegic in an accident related to the race.

Steve Albala was riding on his motorcycle and helping officiate the bicycle leg of the triathlon when he was struck by a car at an intersection. According to reports, the intersection was being controlled by a traffic officer, who motioned for the vehicle to proceed, despite Albala’s presence on the motorcycle. The force of the impact threw Albala nearly 20 feet, causing a fractured spine and spinal cord damage, and requiring several surgeries and nearly two years in the hospital.

Interestingly, a police report at the time concluded that Albana was speeding, but in the lawsuit those conclusions were successfully challenged. The city also paid $250,000 to Albana’s passenger, who was also injured, and $500,000 to the driver of the car involved.

Albala was represented in the case by Beverly Hills lawyer Douglas S. Aberle of Levitt, Leichenger & Aberle.

Source: Los Angeles Times

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