By Josh Kerns
MyNorthwest.com
SEATTLE — A former Seattle firefighter accused of faking the severity of his injuries to win millions has been vindicated by a state appeals court.
A jury awarded Mark Jones nearly $13 million for injuries suffered when he fell approximately 15 feet down a fire pole in a local station back in 2003.
The City of Seattle tried to get the judgment thrown out, releasing secretly recorded videos showing Jones’ dancing, chopping wood, and taking part in other activities.
But Judge C.J. Dwyer wrote in the opinion that Jones’ never misrepresented his injuries or condition and numerous experts supported his claims he was disabled.
“Moreover, the City nowhere convincingly alleges how the videotape footage contradicts Jones’ representation of Mark’s physical condition.”
“It’s a real vindication for Mark,” said Todd Gardener, attorney for the firefighter. “I thought it was unfair when that video was released suggesting he was perpetrating a fraud. I mean that was just wrong.”
The ruling criticized the city for what it called an “ambush,” and Gardener says despite Jones’ ability to hunt, fish, and play horseshoes after the injury, he was significantly and permanently disabled from the fall.
“There was bleeding in his brain, his lungs were trashed, he had four broken vertebra, nine broken ribs, his liver was cut, his bladder was ruptured. He was lucky to survive, frankly,” said Gardener.
The city can still appeal the ruling to the State Supreme Court. Gardener says while Jones feels relieved and vindicated, he remains in need of significant medical care and hopes the case can finally be resolved.