A man who contends he needed surgery after tripping over loose bricks on the Riverwalk has sued the county and the director of the parks and recreation department.
The Richmond County State Court lawsuit was filed Nov. 7 against Augusta-Richmond County and Maurice McDowell. McDowell contended this summer at a city commission meeting that the complaints about the Riverwalk were exaggerated, according to an earlier report in The Augusta Press.
Commissioners voted June 7 to allocate $700,000 in American Recovery Plan funds for repairs to the walkway and water fountains along the Savannah River.
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According to the lawsuit, Charles Bush fell Nov. 16, 2020, on the Riverwalk between Eighth and Tenth streets. Bush contends he tripped over loose and uneven brick, landing on his right wrist and shoulder.
The lawsuit states that Bush needed shoulder surgery and his medical expenses have topped $28,000.
Bush contends in the lawsuit that the problem with the Riverwalk was known but the city failed in his duty to inspect and repair the path to ensure it was safe.
At the June meeting when McDowell said the Riverwalk problems were exaggerated, he blamed trees for what problems there were. McDowell also blamed the trees at the Augusta Commons for endangering staff and ruining pathways and had four health Maple trees cut down.
A lawsuit represents only one side of a dispute. The city will have the opportunity to respond.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.
