Reports from Seattle, Washington, on Thursday, May 14th, disclosed that two bike cops filed a negligence lawsuit against the city. Mike Gore and Travis Hill, with the Seattle Police Department, hope to recover damages for the loss suffered when they sustained injuries while on duty.
Court documents revealed that Gore, a two-time recipient of the Chief’s Award, and one-time Officer of the Month, shattered his right arm while patrolling the city on a bike. The man suffered an accident in June 2019 when his 2014 Volcanic bike chain snapped.
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The mishap sent the lawman careening over the handlebars, and he slammed into the back of a car. It took surgery to fix Gore’s arm, and he could not return to light duty until September 6th, 2019, and patrol duty in January 2020. The man is dealing with constant pain and has light use of his right arm.
Hill, on the other hand, tore his labrum on August 18th, 2018. According to the lawsuit, he was riding a 2014 Volcanic HardTail Mountain Bike while on duty when the chain cassette slipped and locked up. It caused the officer to get ejected, and he landed on the concrete roadway.
The lawman tore his labrum from the front of his shoulder to the back and had to undergo surgery to reattach it. Hill was out of work for seven months and returned on March 4th, 2019. He is also dealing with constant pain and has endured hours of physical therapy.
The lawmen’s counsel, Cheryl Snow, alleged in court documents that the city improperly maintained the bikes, thereby causing the otherwise preventable accidents. The attorney also stated that SPD must ensure the pieces of equipment it issues to officers are working correctly.
The negligence lawsuit documents revealed Gore and Hill want general and special damages for the loss they suffered, and they hope the court grants their prayers.
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