California city makes subtle change after $35M lawsuit over 70-year-old’s streetside tumble

San Diego officials are taking precautionary measures with their parking meters after an elderly man filed a significant legal claim against the city following a fall over an exposed meter base.

On Tuesday, city crews paved over the site of the exposed metal base, NBC 7 reported.

The incident involved a 70-year-old man who reportedly tripped over the base on May 11, resulting in a severe fall from the sidewalk. Security footage captured the accident as he walked towards a car parked with a 30-minute time limit at the curb.

One of his feet made contact with the base, which had been left on the sidewalk over a year after the meter was removed. He fell head-first, hitting a car, and sustained a broken neck and back.

The man has filed a $35 million claim against the city, which could develop into a lawsuit if not resolved.

The fall occurred while the man and his wife were leaving a sushi restaurant near the intersection of Washington Street and Albatross Drive in May, as stated by attorney William Berman to NBC San Diego.

Berman accuses the city of creating a hazardous situation by removing the meter but leaving its raised metal base and protruding bolts in the sidewalk. He suggests similar hazards are present 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 stated.

The injured man required hospitalization to recover from his injuries and now needs 24-hour medical care at home, according to Berman.

Residents have reported that the city’s uneven sidewalks pose risks, particularly for elderly individuals.

Local officials recently discussed an increase in liability settlements, noting that over $100 million in settlements were related to the San Diego Police Department.

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