By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: Dec. 15, 2012
Coun. Bryan Raiser has one less thing to worry about.
Raiser has settled out of court with a raft of defendants in a legal case that dragged on for three years.
Raiser sustained injuries when he fell down from an embankment on Highway 99 while riding his bike back to his home in Valleycliffe in 2009.
He sued the district of Squamish, the province of B.C., Kiewit, and Sea to Sky Highway Improvement Project, among others, alleging negligence for failing to maintain the highway, and failing to warn through signing or lighting.
Raiser says he’s glad it’s finally over.
“Nobody likes to be in a court, and I think in the end, nobody really wins in the court,” he said.
He refused to reveal the details of his settlement.
Raiser said doesn’t regret taking legal action against the roster of government agencies named in the lawsuit.
“My knee broke and I feel pain every day, so it’s not insignificant,” he added.
Raiser had to undergo a knee surgery, and spent six months recuperating, suddenly finding himself unable to care for his family, he said.
“My life was completely screwed,” he said.
“The rehab was simply insane. I was on the couch for six months, and my wife had to work and do basically everything else.”
Raiser finds irony, but no conflict, with District of Squamish being one of the defendant in the court.
“It doesn’t matter what I was doing at the time,” he said.
In fact, when the incident happened, he said he was encouraged by many people to proceed ahead with a lawsuit because it seemed like the right thing to do.
Reflecting back on the time of frantic highway construction, Raiser said he is amazed more people didn’t end up hurting themselves.
“It was a mad house, and everybody knew how crazy it was,” he said.
John Smith says
The irony here is that Mr. Raiser is an advid mountain biker and competes in local races. Who is going to sue if he hits a rock on the trail and falls of his bike when he is mountain biking? Perhaps he won’t be lobbying for a raise for council this term because of this settlement. Nice to know where our tax dollars are going! Since he obviously can’t bike on the roads, he wants to spend more money on trails!! It all makes sense to me now. More money on trails and less on business and economic development. Lets make sure we vote him back in again!!
Patricia Marini says
Really ,He won the settlement and he can’t tell?? As a tax payer I am not responsible were he rides his bike nor should I have to pay if he falls off.
Whar if you are on Council you win???
Patricia Marini says
Really ,He won the settlement and he can’t tell?? As a tax payer I am not responsible were he rides his bike nor should I have to pay if he falls off.
What ?? if you are on Council you win???
Brackendale Mother of Four says
There are those who sue for financial gain when something happens to them, and there are others who pick themselves up and curse their bad luck or clumsiness and carry on. The latter make better politicians, leaders, teachers etc… Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
John Smith says
One would think while biking in a construction zone, a little more due care and awareness would be demonstrated. It is because of frivolous lawsuits like Mr. Raiser’s, it adds to the red tape, bureaucracy, and overall costs to fund/start any projects/investment in our community!
Muriel Shephard says
I’m sad to read the mean-spirited comments about Brian Raiser’s fall and injury. Living in Valleycliff he had no option but to ride on the highway and the ‘bike lane’ tipped him into a deep ditch. Have a little more compassion and understanding.
Jim Harvey says
Personally I applaud Mr Raiser’s success in taking to task the people in charge of the highway upgrade project through Squamish. Don’t you remember how bad it was? Three years of potholes, indistinguishable lanes, terrible signage , asphalt removed years before being re-paved, and little or no consideration for safety. I thought it was all a bad joke….at the community’s expense.
eric armour says
I remember checking out the location of the accident after it had happened, and even the most seasoned of cyclist could have very easily been caught in that trap even in broad daylight let alone in the dead of a dark night. As far as tax payers go, don’t for a second think the insurance companies didn’t have their hand in dragging out the process.
John Smith says
No compassion here for someone who lobbies for a raise and also sues his own employer.
I’m surprised he didn’t go after the manufacturer of his bike and his optometrist too.
Not That Old says
Brian Raiser does a wonderful job on council and I will vote for him everytime. I am glad things worked out for him with the lawsuit.
Nate Dolha says
Must be a lot of sore hands this morning, given the amount of knuckle dragging in these posts…
Dottie says
I read this article and forgive me but it sounds very “woe is me”. 6 months rehab seems GREAT in comparison to my husbands (going on 2 years due to a work-related accident). We too had a choice to sue. We did not and instead focused on his rehabilitation and return to work. Too many simply abuse the system. I know there are many out there that feel the same and have endured much pain due to injuries. Breaking a knee and 6 months rehab doesn’t = life being screwed. Does this guy watch the news or pick up a paper to truly understand what “screwed” means? He comments that he’s happy it’s over. Is it?
Carrie says
He sued :
The district of Squamish
The Province of BC
Kiewit
Sea to sky Highway improvement project
among others.
Seriously?
Doug says
Who was his lawyer, Mayor Nancy from Whistler?