Parents of Oregon Boy Killed While Biking Sue Starbucks, Walgreens, and Local Officials for $2.2 Million
The parents of twelve-year-old Joseph Brausen, whose dream of becoming a professional basketball player was cut short when he was killed by a motorist in Hillsboro last year, are seeking $2.2 million, alleging that road conditions were unsafe.
Anthony and Sarah Brausen are suing coffee chain Starbucks, as well as the pharmacy Walgreens, along with the City of Hillsboro and Washington County.
According to court papers, Joseph was cycling on the sidewalk of Southeast 10th Avenue. He was struck while crossing an alley in Southeast Gumleaf Lane by a southbound motorist who knocked him off his BMX bike. Joseph was dragged 35 feet before the vehicle came to a stop.
Southbound ‘Sunblinding’ Is An Issue in the Alley
The Brausens are not seeking damages from the 24-year-old motorist. Probate court documents state that her insurance company settled claims totaling $25,000. Court documents say that southbound ‘sunblinding’ is a known issue in the alley.
Starbucks and Walgreens are located on Gumleaf Lane and 10th Avenue, as are offices for the city of Hillsboro and Washington County.
The lawsuit claims that the two businesses and two government agencies failed to rectify visibility at the intersection, which was obscured by trees, signposts, planters, bollards, and poles.