Court upholds $13 million judgment for “Dancing Firefighter”

A former Seattle firefighter accused of faking the
severity of his injuries to win millions has been
vindicated by a state appeals court.

A jury awarded Mark Jones nearly $13 million for injuries
suffered when he fell approximately 15 feet down a fire
pole in a local station back in 2003.

The City of Seattle tried to get the judgment thrown out,
releasing secretly recorded videos showing Jones’ dancing,
chopping wood, and taking part in other activities.

But Judge C.J. Dwyer wrote in the opinion that Jones’
never
misrepresented his injuries or condition and numerous
experts supported his claims he was disabled.

“Moreover, the City nowhere convincingly alleges how the
videotape footage contradicts Jones’ representation of
Mark’s physical condition.”

“It’s a real vindication for Mark,” said Todd Gardner,
attorney for the firefighter. “I thought it was unfair
when that video was released suggesting he was
perpetrating a fraud. I mean that was just wrong.”

The ruling criticized the city for what it called an
“ambush,” and Gardner says despite Jones’ ability to hunt,
fish, and play horseshoes after the injury, he was
significantly and permanently disabled from the fall.

“There was bleeding in his brain, his lungs were trashed,
he had four broken vertebra, nine broken ribs, his liver
was
cut, his bladder was ruptured. He was lucky to survive,
frankly,” said Gardner.

The city can still appeal the ruling to the State Supreme
Court. Gardner says while Jones feels relieved and
vindicated, he remains in need of significant medical care
and hopes the case can finally be resolved.