North Carolina

Family Sues Google Over Man’s Death Due to Bridge Collapse

The family of Philip Paxson, who drowned after driving off a collapsed bridge in Hickory, North Carolina, in September 2022, is suing Google for negligently failing to update Google Maps to show the bridge collapse. The lawsuit filed in Wake County civil court claims local residents notified Google about the collapse in 2013, but the map was not updated. Barriers missing due to vandalism allowed Paxson to drive onto the damaged bridge. The suit also targets three local companies, alleging they had a duty to maintain the bridge. Paxson's wife, Alicia, expressed grief that those responsible acted with little regard for human life. Google stated it is reviewing the allegations and aims to provide accurate routing information.