Gas Works Park Accident: Seattle Law Firm to Review Safety Protocols After Fatal Teen Fall

A Seattle teenager’s tragic death after a fall at Gas Works Park has prompted a local law firm to examine the park’s safety protocols. This incident raises critical questions about premises liability, recreational use immunity, and the duty of care that the City of Seattle owes to park visitors.

A Community Mourns: The Circumstances of the Accident

On July 10th, 2025, 15-year-old Mattheis Johnson suffered fatal injuries after falling approximately 50 feet from a structure within Gas Works Park during a pop-up concert. The Seattle Fire Department rushed Johnson to Harborview Medical Center, but he succumbed to his injuries. The community has rallied to support Johnson’s family, raising over $48,000 through a GoFundMe campaign. Seattle Public Schools is also providing counseling services to those affected by this tragedy.

Legal Scrutiny: Seattle Law Firm Investigates

Following the accident, the family of Mattheis Johnson contacted Davis Law Group to explore potential legal options. While initial assessments suggest that Washington State’s recreational use immunity law may shield the city from liability, the firm is conducting a thorough review of the park’s safety history and protocols. Attorney Colin Hutchinson of Davis Law Group has identified at least 12 instances since 2009 of serious injuries or deaths resulting from falls at Gas Works Park. This raises concerns about whether the city has taken adequate measures to prevent such incidents.

Understanding Recreational Use Immunity in Washington

Washington’s recreational use immunity statute (RCW 4.24.210) generally protects landowners, including government entities, from liability for unintentional injuries sustained by individuals using their property for recreational purposes without charge. The intent is to encourage landowners to open their land for public use. However, this immunity is not absolute. Exceptions exist where the landowner:

Knows of a dangerous condition and fails to fix it or warn users.
Is grossly negligent.
Charges a fee for access.

The key question in the Gas Works Park case is whether the city was aware of the dangers posed by the park’s structures and failed to take reasonable steps to mitigate those risks.

Gas Works Park: A Unique and Potentially Hazardous Environment

Gas Works Park, a 19.1-acre park located on the north shore of Lake Union, is a unique landmark. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 2, 2013. The park incorporates remnants of the former Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant, which operated from 1906 to 1956. While the park’s industrial structures offer a distinctive aesthetic, they also present potential hazards. Seattle Parks and Recreation had announced in May 2023 that it would be replacing fencing and gates around the park’s towers to deter access, citing safety concerns and stating that the structures were not safe to climb.

The City’s Duty of Care: Balancing Preservation and Safety

The City of Seattle has a responsibility to maintain its parks in a reasonably safe condition for visitors. This duty of care extends to identifying and addressing potential hazards, providing adequate warnings, and taking appropriate measures to prevent injuries. In the case of Gas Works Park, the city must balance its commitment to preserving the park’s historical character with its obligation to ensure public safety.

Potential Negligence Claims: What Needs to Be Proven?

To establish a negligence claim against the City of Seattle, the following elements must be proven:

Duty of Care: The city owed a duty of care to park visitors to maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition.
Breach of Duty: The city breached this duty by failing to address a known dangerous condition (e.g., the accessibility of the structures and the risk of falls).
Causation: The city’s breach of duty directly caused Mattheis Johnson’s fall and resulting injuries.
Damages: Johnson suffered damages as a result of his injuries (in this case, death).

Even if the injured party was partially responsible for the accident, Washington’s doctrine of comparative negligence allows for a claim against the property owner, with the compensation reduced by the percentage of the injured party’s fault.

The Path Forward: Reviewing Safety Protocols and Implementing Changes

Following Mattheis Johnson’s death, Seattle Parks and Recreation stated that it is “actively exploring how entry into the restricted area occurred and what other additional strategies could prevent unauthorized access to the structures at Gas Works Park” and will “evaluate any and all additional safety measures to prevent these types of tragedies.”

Potential safety improvements could include:

Enhanced Fencing and Barriers: Strengthening existing fencing and installing additional barriers to prevent access to dangerous structures.
Increased Signage: Posting more prominent and explicit warning signs about the dangers of climbing on the structures.
Structural Modifications: Removing ladders or modifying the structures to make them less accessible.
Increased Monitoring and Enforcement: Implementing more frequent patrols and enforcing park rules more strictly.
Professional Safety Assessment: Hiring a professional to conduct a comprehensive safety audit of the park and recommend further improvements.

Legal Options and Considerations

While recreational use immunity may present a significant hurdle, the family of Mattheis Johnson may still have legal options. A skilled personal injury attorney can investigate the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence, and assess the viability of a claim. Potential avenues for pursuing compensation include:

Negotiating a Settlement: Attempting to negotiate a settlement with the City of Seattle’s insurance company.
Mediation: Engaging in mediation to reach a resolution with the city.
Filing a Lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit to pursue compensation through the courts.

Seeking Legal Guidance After a Park Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident at a public park in Washington State, it is essential to seek legal guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, assess the strength of your claim, and navigate the complex legal process.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have been injured in a park accident, you should consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.