The Schafer Law Office

Thomas E. Murphy, Ironman Triathlete, Files Suit Against Many Organizations

On Monday, August 25^th Thomas E. Murphy filed a lawsuit against Oldham Fiscal Court, the Police Department, and several others claiming they did not provide protection for bikers competing in the 2007 Ford Ironman Triathlon. 

Also named in the lawsuit are World Triathlon Corp., USA Triathlon, the Greater Louisville Sports Commission, former Oldham County police Officer Gerald Colston, the Oldham County sheriff’s office, the cities of LaGrange and River Bluff, and Sondrah S. Laden of Prospect.  Ms. Laden is the driver of the van that collided with Murphy during the race.

As a result of the collision at the intersection of U.S. 42 and Locust Circle, Mr. Murphy suffered five broken vertebrae and a head injury.  According to Lt. Col. Billy Way of the Oldham County Police Ms. Laden apparently did not see the police directing traffic at this intersection at the time of the accident and saw that the traffic light was green and proceeded through, hitting Murphy.

The Ford Ironman Triathlon consists of the athletes swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles and running a marathon (26.2 miles).  Last year was the first year that part of the biking portion traveled through Oldham County on state roads. 

During last year’s race I had the opportunity to ride along side of some of the competing athletes.  They are incredible people who have trained both their minds and bodies for this excruciating event.  I felt honored to be riding with them.

A final note, last year my wife and daughter were on their way to church and were stopped by the police to allow the bikers passage.  They were stuck in the same spot for two hours; they ended up getting out of the car and cheering the bikers.  If you know you are going to be in the area of the race be proactive and find another route.  If you are unsure of the exact route go to http://ironman.com/events/ironman/louisville/?show=maps for the courses of each leg of the race.  As always, patience when driving can prevent accidents and injury. For more information on Louisville, KY attorney Mike Schafer go to www.mikeschaferlaw.com.