Beth Rowan, a resident of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, has filed a lawsuit against Swarthmore Borough and several unidentified parties for negligence after suffering serious injuries from a fall on an uneven sidewalk. The complaint was filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, on February 11, 2026. The defendants include Swarthmore Borough, Jane/John Does #1-5, and ABC Corporation #1-5.
According to the court documents, the incident occurred on February 26, 2024. Beth Rowan was walking her dog on the sidewalk near the Swarthmore Train Station when she tripped over raised and uneven concrete blocks. This fall resulted in significant injuries including a concussion with post-concussion syndrome and damage to her teeth, jaw, face, neck, left shoulder, upper extremity, wrist, and hand. Rowan claims that the defendants had both actual and constructive knowledge of this hazardous condition but failed to take necessary actions to warn pedestrians or rectify the issue.
The lawsuit alleges that Swarthmore Borough and other unnamed defendants were negligent in maintaining the sidewalk in a safe condition. The complaint accuses them of failing to inspect and repair the dangerous area despite being aware of its defects. It also highlights their failure to warn pedestrians about the potential danger through signage or barriers. Rowan asserts that these oversights directly led to her accident and subsequent injuries.
Rowan is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 for her injuries which have caused physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, and loss of earnings capacity. She demands judgment against all defendants for their alleged negligence in maintaining public safety standards.
Representing Beth Rowan are attorneys Hugh A. Donaghue (Attorney ID #37283), Kathryn L. Labrum (Attorney ID #36280), and Tyler J. Therriault (Attorney ID #309972) from Donaghue & Labrum LLP located at 102 West Front Street in Media, PA.
Source: CV2026001304_Beth_Rowan_v_Swathmore_Borough_Complaint_Delaware_County_Pennsylvania..pdf