California city makes subtle change after $35M lawsuit over 70-year-old’s streetside tumble
San Diego officials are taking proactive measures to address potential safety hazards after an elderly man’s fall from an exposed parking meter base resulted in a $35 million claim against the city. The incident occurred on May 11 when a 70-year-old man tripped over the base of a parking meter, causing him to fall head-first onto the pavement and suffer a broken neck and back. Security camera footage captured the fall, which occurred after the man was walking towards a car parked at a curb with a 30-minute time limit.
In response to the incident, city crews paved over the spot where the exposed metal parking meter base was located, as reported by NBC 7. The man and his wife were leaving a sushi restaurant near the intersection of Washington Street and Albatross Drive when the fall occurred. According to attorney William Berman, who is representing the man, the city created a dangerous hazard by removing the parking meter but leaving behind its raised metal base and protruding bolts embedded in the sidewalk. Berman claims that similar sidewalk hazards exist in other areas across the city and that the city needs to address them promptly.
The injured man required a hospital stay to recover from his injuries and now requires 24-hour medical care at home. The attorney emphasized the need for the city to remove these bases from sidewalks to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Residents have also raised concerns about uneven and hazardous sidewalks in the city, particularly for elderly individuals.
Local officials discussed a growing number of liability settlements last week, with more than $100 million in settlements involving the San Diego Police Department. The city is under pressure to address safety concerns and ensure that public spaces are safe for residents and visitors.
Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safe infrastructure and addressing potential hazards promptly. By taking proactive measures to address safety concerns, cities can prevent accidents and injuries, ensuring the well-being of their residents.
