Cole Maizel has filed a lawsuit alleging negligence and emotional distress after a bicycle incident left him severely injured. On November 20, 2024, Maizel lodged the complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against Walter D. Vander Schraaf and unnamed defendants.
The case centers around an October 19, 2024 incident on John F. Kennedy Drive in San Francisco where Maizel claims he was struck from behind by a bicycle operated by Vander Schraaf. According to the complaint, Vander Schraaf and others negligently managed and operated the bicycle leading to Maizel's injuries. The plaintiff alleges that these actions were not only negligent but also reckless, resulting in severe emotional distress. The complaint states that "defendants performed the acts... knowing that their acts and omissions would impose upon plaintiff grievous financial, bodily and mental harm."
Maizel is seeking compensatory damages for his physical injuries which include serious harm to his hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, back, legs, knees as well as severe shock to his nervous system. The injuries have allegedly resulted in permanent disability affecting his ability to work and maintain his physical fitness regimen. Additionally, Maizel is claiming damages for ongoing medical expenses and loss of earnings due to his inability to work post-incident.
The legal filing accuses Vander Schraaf of negligence and reckless infliction of emotional distress among other charges. It asserts that the defendants acted with "deliberate malice and oppression," exacerbating Maizel's suffering. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and demands judgment for compensatory damages including medical expenses and lost earnings.
Representing Cole Maizel is attorney R. Michael Lieberman from the Law Offices of R. Michael Lieberman based in San Francisco. The case is identified under Case ID CGC-24-619980.