Over the years Sheriff Joe Arpaio has been a lightning rod for numerous lawsuits against him. But now he’s doing the suing. Arpaio is now suing a company for a slip and fall accident that occurred in Phoenix last year at the Renaissance Square patio.
Faulty Sidewalk Responsible for Slip and Fall Accident
Shortly after the fall occurred, Arpaio blamed himself for the slip and fall injury, saying in a video statement, “What happened … I blame myself. I fell and I broke my arm.” But he is now suing Hines GS Properties, owner for the Renaissance Square in downtown Phoenix, for what he calls a faulty sidewalk. Arpaio is alleging that an improperly installed storm grate caused the fall.
Expanding on Initial Comments
During a recent media tour through his jail, Arpaio decided to expand on the comments he made the day after the accident, at the hospital. “I did say that because nobody pushed me,” he said. “They did not push me. The people that pushed me were those that had a bad sidewalk.”
Slip and Fall Accident Lawsuit
According to court papers, the sheriff’s attorneys are asking for the property owner, Hines GS Properties, to repair the sidewalk in order to prevent other future falls. They are also asking for unspecified damages. Arpaio contends he is not trying to pocket any money from a potential settlement. “The money that we expended I think should go back, and probably has to go back, to the insurance company.” Upon further question if he was going to get any settlement money for himself, the sheriff responded, “No.”
