San Diego city crews have paved over the exposed base of a parking meter following a $35 million claim filed against the city after a 70-year-old man allegedly tripped on it and sustained serious injuries. The incident occurred on May 11 when the man was walking toward a car parked at a curb.
According to his attorney, William Berman, the man tripped on the meter's base, which had been removed from the sidewalk more than a year prior but left protruding with bolts embedded in the concrete. The fall resulted in a broken neck and back, and the man required hospitalization. He now needs 24-hour medical care at home, Berman stated.
The incident took place near the intersection of Washington Street and Albatross Drive. Berman alleges that the city created a hazardous condition by not fully removing the meter bases from sidewalks and suggested that similar hazards may exist elsewhere in the city. "They protrude about an inch to two inches from the sidewalk. The city needs to make sure they’re taking out these bases from the sidewalks," Berman told NBC San Diego.
San Diego officials addressed the specific hazard Tuesday by paving over the exposed metal base.
Residents have previously raised concerns about uneven and hazardous sidewalk conditions in San Diego, particularly for elderly individuals. The city has also been discussing an increase in liability settlements, with more than $100 million in settlements reportedly involving the San Diego Police Department.