Folsom News

Folsom park injury sparks lawsuit, citing poor lighting and dangerous conditions

The City of Folsom was sued April 14 by a woman who accuses the city of poorly maintaining Lembi Park, which she says resulted in her injury.
The City of Folsom was sued April 14 by a woman who accuses the city of poorly maintaining Lembi Park, which she says resulted in her injury. corey.schmidt@sacbee.com

A woman who says she was injured by tripping on the pavement has sued Folsom, accusing the city of not properly lighting or maintaining one of its parks.

Ashley Anne Baker says in her suit the city recklessly managed Lembi Bark, 1302 Riley St., causing her to trip on a piece of pavement she couldn’t see due to inadequate lighting. Baker also accuses the city of not fencing off the potentially dangerous area. The complaint was filed April 14 in Sacramento Superior Court.

“Defendants (the city) failed to barricade the area and/or to warn of the dangerous condition, rendering the area on said premises dangerous and resulting in serious bodily injury,” the complaint states.

Her injuries at the park occurred on Nov. 4, according to the complaint.

Medical expenses, loss of earnings

Baker requests a jury trial as she seeks damages for wage loss, loss of use of property, medical expenses, general damage, property damage and loss of earning capacity, according to the complaint. These expenses are expected to exceed $35,000.

The city declined to comment on the specific lawsuit. A spokesperson said Folsom takes the park safety seriously.

“The City of Folsom takes the safety of our public spaces seriously,” spokesperson Christine Brainerd said. “We are aware of the lawsuit. However, as a matter of policy, we do not officially comment on pending litigation.”

Lembi Park is home to a play structure, pickleball courts, soccer fields, softball fields, a baseball field, turf volleyball, a basketball court and more, according to the city’s website. It is open 7 a.m. to one hour after sunset.

Corey Schmidt
The Sacramento Bee
Corey Schmidt is a watchdog reporter for the Sacramento Bee, focusing on Folsom, El Dorado Hills and Sacramento County’s eastern suburbs. Previously, he was the government watchdog reporter for the St. Cloud Times in Minnesota. Schmidt received his bachelor’s degree from DePaul University in Chicago and his master’s degree from Yale University. 
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