"The jury found that the state failed to properly train and supervise this individual, and that failure resulted in devastating, lifelong consequences. Public safety inside our state parks matters to every Californian. This verdict makes clear that the State of California cannot escape responsibility by simply labeling someone a volunteer."
"The injuries were catastrophic, including 20 broken ribs and a traumatic brain injury that will permanently affect her quality of life, according to medical testimony presented at trial. The state argued that it did not bear responsibility for Anthony's injuries because the driver who struck her was a volunteer for Point Lobos State Natural Reserve."
Helen Anthony, a Providence city councilmember, was struck by a vehicle driven by a California State Parks volunteer while crossing a marked pedestrian crosswalk at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in June 2023. She sustained catastrophic injuries including 20 broken ribs and a traumatic brain injury with permanent effects on her quality of life. A Monterey County jury awarded Anthony $18.8 million, finding the state negligently failed to properly train and supervise the volunteer driver. The verdict establishes that California cannot evade responsibility by simply designating someone as a volunteer. Anthony subsequently resigned from her council position in August 2025 to focus on her ongoing recovery.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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