Eugene, Ore. — A woman is suing the University of Oregon over injuries she claims to have sustained while attending a rock concert at Matthew Knight Arena in 2016.
The plaintiff, Anne Holder, is seeking $215,213 in damages.
According to the lawsuit filed last week in Lane County Circuit Court, Holder suffered broken teeth, a torn breast implant, bruises and scrapes when she tripped on a metal barrier and fell face-first onto the ground at the arena.
The suit says the incident occurred on Sept. 30, 2016 — the night that British rock band Def Leppard headlined a concert at the arena.
Holder paid $800 for her ticket to the show, according to the lawsuit, which says she notified the UO of her intent to sue in November 2016.
In response to a request for comment, university spokesman Tobin Klinger said UO officials had not been served with a copy of the lawsuit. He said that after the suit is reviewed the university “will determine the best way to address it through appropriate legal channels.”
The multipurpose arena sits on the east side of the UO campus. It is home to the Ducks’ basketball and volleyball teams, and also has hosted numerous concerts and events since it opened in 2011.
Holder blames the UO for her injuries, which the suit says caused her to miss the concert. The lawsuit also asserts that the university negligently put the raised, metal barrier in an area where people walked; and also obstructed her “perception” of the barrier by causing low-light conditions while the barrier was surrounded by other concertgoers.
The suit seeks $200,000 for Holder’s pain, suffering and loss of lifestyle; $14,413 for past and future medical bills; and $800 for her concert ticket.
An attorney for Holder did not immediately return telephone and email messages seeking additional information.
