Skip to content

Man who ran into glass door at Langley rec centre has lawsuit dismissed

Case was launched four years ago
32351846_web1_191213-LAT-GeorgePrestonRecCentre
A lawsuit by a man who claimed he broke a tooth and concussed himself walking into a closed glass door at George Preston Rec Centre has been dismissed. (Langley Advance Times files)

A lawsuit filed against Langley Township, by a man who claimed he broke a tooth and concussed himself by walking into a sliding glass door at a rec centre, has been dismissed in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver.

The plaintiff in the case said in his statement of claim, filed in 2019, that on Dec. 21, 2017, he was heading for the ice rink at the George Preston Recreation Centre, when he “walked into unmarked glass doors which did not automatically open.”

The collision with the doors was so severe, the plaintiff alleged, that he suffered a concussion, a broken front tooth, an injured jaw, face, head, neck, and back, lacerations and abrasions, as well as soft tissue injuries.

As a result, he initially claimed the incident had also left him with fatigue, insomnia, shock, tension, anxiety, and depression.

He launched the lawsuit seeking damages for loss of earnings and future income, possible costs of future care, costs for prescriptions, physiotherapy or other medical costs, as well as for pain and suffering.

The suit alleged the Township was negligent for “permitting unmarked glass doors to be present at the George Preston Arena,” as well as failing in maintenance and inspection of the doors.

In addition to the Township, he included the unnamed employee and company responsible for installation or maintenance of the glass doors.

The Township’s response denied that it was responsible and insisted the plaintiff was responsible for “failing to take reasonable care for his own safety,” suggesting a wide range of possible failures he could have made, including “failing to observe and note prevailing conditions, including whether where he was proceeding there was a glass door.”

The case never went to trial, and none of the claims were tested in court.

In early March, the Township applied for the case to be dismissed, and on March 22, the case was dismissed without costs being awarded to either the plaintiff or the Township.

READ ALSO: Langley City, landowner at odds in court over trailer and which side of house is front

READ ALSO: Langley teen’s sliced finger leads to lawsuit against school district

READ ALSO: Langley house linked to crimes targeted for forfeiture


Have a story tip? Email: matthew.claxton@langleyadvancetimes.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.


Matthew Claxton

About the Author: Matthew Claxton

Raised in Langley, as a journalist today I focus on local politics, crime and homelessness.
Read more