A Monterey County jury has awarded $18,854,000 to Helen Anthony, holding the State of California responsible for negligently training and supervising a state park docent who struck her in a marked crosswalk at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
The jury rejected the state’s argument that it bore no responsibility because the driver was labeled a “volunteer.” Jurors determined that the driver was acting as an employee of the State of California and found that the state’s failure to properly train and supervise him was a substantial factor in causing the incident.
Anthony was struck in broad daylight on June 10, 2023, while walking in a clearly marked pedestrian crosswalk. She suffered catastrophic injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, and more than 20 broken ribs. She nearly died.
Evidence presented at trial showed that the State of California had offered $50,000 to settle the case prior to trial.
Point Lobos is one of California’s most visited state parks, welcoming more than one million visitors annually. The case raised broader questions about whether the state can avoid accountability when individuals placed in public-facing safety roles cause harm.
“This verdict makes clear that the State of California cannot escape responsibility by simply labeling someone a volunteer,” said attorney Roger Dreyer, who represents Anthony. “The jury found that the state failed to properly train and supervise this individual, and that failure resulted in devastating, lifelong consequences. Public safety inside our state parks matters to every Californian.”
As a result of her injuries, Anthony — a former city council member and practicing attorney — was forced to step away from public service and give up her law practice. Medical testimony established that her traumatic brain injury will permanently affect her quality of life.
