Montana Man Injured by Bridge Jumper Sues County

A man who was injured when another man jumped off a Clark Fork River bridge and landed on him is suing Missoula County, alleging it did not take enough steps to prevent such an accident.

The Missoulian reports Andy Hill’s lawsuit argues the Bandmann Bridge in East Missoula has no barriers to prevent jumping and no signs to warn those on the river of the potential danger.

Hill suffered torn knee ligaments, a broken leg and other injuries in July 2013 when Corey Allen Hewitt landed on Hill as he floated the river on an inner tube. Hewitt was given a two-year deferred sentence for negligent endangerment and was ordered to pay Hill $22,500 in restitution.

County Chief Administrative Officer Vickie Zeier says the county intends to resolve the matter “amicably.”