Google Faces Lawsuit Alleging Negligence Over Fatal Bridge Mapping Error
The family of Philip Paxson, a US man who tragically drowned after driving off a collapsed bridge, is pursuing legal action against Google, claiming that the tech giant’s failure to update its maps contributed to the fatal incident.
The lawsuit, filed in civil court in Wake County, asserts that Google neglected to indicate that the bridge had collapsed nearly a decade earlier, leading to Mr. Paxson’s untimely death in September 2022. At the time of the incident in Hickory, North Carolina, Mr. Paxson was navigating an unfamiliar neighbourhood, relying on Google Maps to guide him home after assisting with his daughter’s birthday party.
Unaware of the local roads, Mr. Paxson followed Google’s outdated directions in the dark and rainy conditions, ultimately ending up at the bridge that locals had named the “Bridge to Nowhere.” His vehicle crashed into Snow Creek, leading to his tragic drowning.
According to the lawsuit, residents in the area had repeatedly informed Google of the bridge’s collapse back in 2013. Furthermore, barriers that were usually placed at the bridge entrance were missing due to vandalism.
The legal action extends to three local companies, alleging that they bear responsibility for maintaining the bridge.
Alicia Paxson, Mr. Paxson’s wife, expressed the family’s profound grief and bewilderment over the incident, particularly when explaining to their daughters how their father had lost his life. She questioned the actions of those responsible for GPS directions and bridge maintenance, emphasising the apparent disregard for human life in this situation.
Google responded to the lawsuit by expressing its deepest sympathies for the Paxson family. The company affirmed its commitment to providing accurate routing information in Google Maps and noted that it was reviewing the allegations.
This lawsuit highlights the potential consequences of relying on digital mapping services, underscoring the responsibility of tech companies to maintain accurate and up-to-date information to ensure user safety.
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