A Washington woman is suing the federal government and multiple Aramark-linked hospitality companies after she says she suffered serious injuries falling down a staircase at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge in Port Angeles.
According to a lawsuit filed Friday in Seattle federal court, Grace Purdue, of Snohomish, alleges she fell while walking down stairs at Lake Crescent Lodge during a stay in May 2023.
The lawsuit claims the staircase was unsafe because of “inadequate lighting,” poor maintenance, and “faulty design.”
Purdue alleges she was using the stairs normally in a common guest area when she was “unable to navigate the steps” and fell, sustaining what the lawsuit describes as “significant injuries.”
Lawsuit Targets National Park Service, Aramark
The lawsuit names the United States government, the National Park Service, and several Aramark-related hospitality entities that allegedly operated or managed the lodge at the time of the incident.
According to the complaint, Lake Crescent Lodge falls under the control of the National Park Service because it sits inside Olympic National Park.
The lawsuit alleges both the federal government and concessionaire operators had duties to maintain the property “in a condition safe for public use” and to identify hazards, inspect the premises, and warn guests about dangerous conditions.
Attorneys for Purdue claim those responsibilities were not met.
The complaint alleges the defendants failed to:
- properly maintain the staircase
- inspect for hazards
- provide safe lighting
- keep guest areas reasonably safe
- warn visitors about dangerous conditions.
The lawsuit further claims Purdue “did not cause or contribute to her fall” and “had no opportunity to avoid the harm.”
More Than $126K In Claimed Losses
Court filings state Purdue is seeking damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life.
The lawsuit currently lists:
- approximately $36,142 in medical expenses
- approximately $90,000 in wage losses.
Attorneys for Purdue argue the injuries and losses were caused by negligence involving the staircase and surrounding conditions inside the lodge.
The lawsuit also alleges the National Park Service failed to properly oversee concessionaire operations and safety obligations connected to the property.
Historic Lodge
Lake Crescent Lodge is one of the most recognizable lodging destinations inside Olympic National Park, drawing visitors to the Olympic Peninsula for its historic cabins and waterfront views along Lake Crescent.
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