Cyclist sues after the fork on her bicycle breaks while riding

A woman is suing a bicycle manufacturer following an accident that allegedly caused serious injuries.

Janet Kowal filed suit Nov. 20 in the Cook County Circuit Court on Nov. 20 against  Westchester Wheels Inc., Giant Bicycle Inc., Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd and Hartley's Cycle Shop.

According to the suit, Kowal was riding a bicycle made by Giant and sold by Westchester Wheels on July 27, when the carbon fiber fork on the bike broke, causing her to lose control and fall.

Kowal claims the fork was too narrow, which caused it to break during ordinary use. Kowal alleges she suffered pain, disfigurement and loss of a normal life as a result of the accident and now seeks to hold the defendants liable for her injuries.

She is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 and is being represented by attorney Ken Hoffman.

Circuit Court of Cook County Case No. 2013L013309.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.