VEHICLE ACCIDENT: LA Pays $7 Million to Settle Lawsuit from 2007 Triathlon Accident

March 9, 2010

Los Angeles – The city of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $7 million in settlement to end a lawsuit filed by a volunteer in the 2007 Los Angeles Triathlon, who was paralyzed after an accident during the event.

The announcement was made by Douglas Aberle, the victim’s attorney, yesterday.

According to Aberle, his client, Steve Albala, has become a paraplegic after the motorcycle he was driving was struck by a vehicle while he was officiating bicyclists.

The collision threw Albala about 20 feet.

He undergone numerous surgeries and was hospitalized for more than two years.

A police report said Albala was liable for the accident but his lawyers argued that point.

Aberle said that the accident was caused by a traffic officer who allowed a vehicle to enter the intersection where Albala was officiating the cycling part of the tournament.

The city attorney’s office was not immediately available for comment.