Facts

On July 23, 2010, David Overlund was riding his bicycle when he came into contact with an AT&T handhole, a shallow form of a manhole, that had a missing lid on it. Overlund was thrown from his bicycle and struck the ground. Overlund sued AT&T, alleging that the company failed to properly inspect and maintain the handhole.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Overlund contended that AT&T had no protocols to inspect the hundreds of thousands of handholes it had in the United States.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
AT&T contended that it relies upon third parties to inform it of any issues with the handholes and that AT&T's employees would remedy any issue they became aware of during the course of their employment.

Injuries

Overlund claimed he aggravated his pre-existing back condition and required a back surgery as a result of the accident. After the surgery, he complained of ongoing pain and received epidural injections.

Result

The parties settled for $375,000.