Fatal Directions and Unheard Warnings

In September 2022, Philip Paxson drove home from his daughter’s birthday party in Hickory, North Carolina. Like many of us do daily, he relied on Google Maps for directions. Part of the directions Google Maps suggested was for Mr. Paxson to cross a small bridge over a creek. The issue was that this bridge no longer existed as it had collapsed nine years prior. Navigating unfamiliar roads on a rainy night, Philip Paxson drove off the road where the bridge once was and tragically drowned. Philip’s family is now suing Google, claiming the company failed to update its maps.

The complaint alleges that twice in 2020, a Hickory resident used the “suggest an edit” feature on Google Maps to alert the company that the bridge was gone and not to direct people to use it. It is alleged that Google took no action in response to these alerts and noted only that they were “being reviewed.” Further, the lawsuit claims that Google continued to suggest users cross the bridge months after Mr. Paxson’s fatal crash. Along with naming Google as a defendant, the complaint also targets several private property management companies responsible for the land around the bridge and who the family alleges should have closed off the property.

The broader question beyond this tragic death and the potential legal ramifications if Google is found negligent is what corporations can learn from this. One thought is to take a second look at how corporations evaluate criticism. Does your business have a consumer feedback system, and if it does, how often is this feedback reviewed and considered? Internally, are employees allowed to make suggestions or raise concerns regarding the company? Can we fill gaps in knowledge that may come from sources outside the business? There are limits to how much information a company can realistically work through and how much feedback could be helpful. However, one wonders what could have happened had Google reacted differently to the feedback it received.

Luca Tappa, Law Clerk, BridgehouseLaw LLP, Charlotte

image: the art of wayfinding

The "Barbie" Movie and Aqua's "Barbie Girl"

Have you seen the Barbie movie? If not, you must have heard about it or seen something. It's a global hype.

I watched flocks of people, mostly dressed in pink, at the box office. And I know which movie they wanted to watch.

But if you saw it, did you wonder why the Aqua song from the 1990s Barbie Girl was only played for seconds and not used as a significant theme song?

In the grand picture of pop culture, a few pieces have captured the imagination quite like Aqua’s Barbie Girl. What began as a catchy tune quickly spiraled into a whirlwind of legal battles. Yes, it ended up at the United States Supreme Court. Music in the courtroom. That's nice. This strange and true story not only offers a great glimpse into the complexities of intellectual property, but it also underscores its importance.

For the full Morning Musing, please check out our YouTube channel.

A big "Tack" to Judgement War Productions LLC and Colin Verba for producing the Morning Musing videos

The Pickleball Craze

Pickleball is America's fastest-growing sport. It has captured the hearts of millions. Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It's played on a smaller court than a tennis court but on a lower net. Tennis is played on a larger court with a higher net. It has a different racket design and so on. In terms of gameplay, pickleball is characterized by a slower pace. There's an emphasis on strategy and placement, which makes it popular among players of all ages. Pickleball is a competitor to tennis, which is fast-paced, and therefore, it requires a higher physical endurance, and age is a limit in a fast tennis game.

The equipment also differs. Pickleball paddles are smaller and made from wood, graphite, or composite materials. And therefore you need special pickleball equipment. But pickleball is not all about fun and games. With its rising popularity, this sport leaves a trail of injuries, particularly among seniors. This results in a hefty financial burden on the healthcare system.

To get the whole story on Pickleball's impact on the health care system, check about the Morning Musing on our YouTube channel.

Thank you, Colin Verba and Judgement War Productions LLC, for producing the Morning Musing series