A woman is taking legal action after claiming to have been hit by a 600-pound structure while running. Katie Watt, a student at Bates College, alleges that negligence on the part of the institution resulted in her sustaining a traumatic brain injury during the incident. Watt, who was 21 years old at the time of the incident in October 2024, opened up exclusively to PEOPLE about the aftermath of the accident. In the complaint filed against Bates College, Watt expresses feeling abandoned by her alma mater, indicating that the incident had a profound impact on her life.
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Recounting the terrifying experience, Watt shared her immediate thoughts upon being struck by the airborne bench shelter. She vividly remembers the disorientation, fear, and excruciating pain, alongside a strong desire to survive and continue living her life to the fullest. The aftermath of the incident left Watt with a skull fracture and bleeding in multiple areas of her brain, resulting in what she describes as a significant decrease in cognitive stamina. This drastic change forced Watt to adapt to a new reality where her energy levels and ability to engage in daily activities were severely limited.
According to the complaint filed in Androscoggin County Superior Court, Watt details the events leading up to the incident. The complaint highlights that the bench shelters in question were not properly secured as per the manufacturer’s instructions, making them a potential hazard in high winds. On the day of the incident, one of the 600-pound structures was reportedly blown across the field and subsequently struck Watt while she was running a test with her ski team. The impact was severe, leading to Watt being rushed to the hospital for emergency care and subsequent treatment for the traumatic brain injury she sustained.
The road to recovery was challenging for Watt, requiring her to spend a month at home under close monitoring by medical professionals. With the support of her parents, who took time off from their jobs to care for her, Watt began the arduous journey of rebuilding her strength and cognitive abilities. Returning to her studies at Bates was a significant milestone for Watt, albeit one filled with challenges due to the lingering effects of the accident. Despite her achievements, Watt expressed disappointment at the lack of support and acknowledgment from the college, which she felt overlooked her well-being.
In response to inquiries about the incident, a spokesperson for Bates College declined to comment on the pending litigation but acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the accident. The spokesperson noted the support provided to Watt during and after the incident, highlighting her successful graduation in May 2025. While Bates College wished Watt well in her future endeavors, the issue of student safety remains a focal point of the ongoing legal proceedings initiated by Watt.
Looking ahead, Watt remains optimistic about her prospects but acknowledges the lasting impact of the incident on her physical and emotional well-being. Through her lawsuit, Watt aims to hold the college accountable for ensuring the safety of its students and preventing similar accidents in the future. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing student welfare and implementing robust safety measures in educational institutions to prevent avoidable harm.