Based on the information provided, it seems highly unlikely to me that a guy who passed up an easy payday for a baseball would get an attorney friend to lie for what is likely going to be a very small claim. He still attended the game, and another game a couple days later, which likely rules out substantial suffering. So, given the low potential payout what would be his motivation? Simplest explanation is the guy just fell through an ill-maintained bridge. Could happen to anyone, really!