A simple walk for sushi ended with a broken neck. Now this senior wants San Diego to pay $35 million.

A 70-year-old man broke his spine after tripping on a leftover metal stub from a removed parking meter.

WHAT HAPPENED

In May, a 70-year-old man and his wife left a sushi restaurant in San Diego. They walked near the corner of Washington Street and Albatross Drive. The man headed toward a parked car.

Security video shows his foot catching on a metal base sticking out of the concrete. A parking meter had been taken out over a year ago, but the metal stub and sharp bolts remained.

The man tripped and fell headfirst. He slammed into the back of a parked car.

His head ended up stuck between the curb and a tire. He broke both his neck and his back.

FACT BOX -

What the money/evidence shows

• A $35 million claim filed against the city of San Diego.
• The metal base stuck out 1 to 2 inches from the sidewalk.
• The parking meter was removed more than 12 months before the fall.
• Video footage shows the man carrying a cane in his left hand but not using it.
• The injured man now needs 24-hour medical care at home every day.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

How many other traps are waiting on our sidewalks? Cities often remove old signs and meters to clean up the streets. But when they leave the heavy metal bases behind, they create hidden tripping hazards for everyone.

Should taxpayers have to pay millions because of poor upkeep? This case forces us to ask if cities are doing enough to track and fix these small, dangerous spots before someone gets hurt.

THE OTHER SIDE

The city of San Diego has not commented on the claim. Their spokesperson said they cannot talk about active legal matters. However, video footage shows the man was carrying a walking cane but did not have it on the ground when he tripped.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

If the city does not settle the $35 million claim, the case will likely go to court. This could cost local taxpayers a massive amount of money.

For regular people, this is a reminder to watch every step. It may also force San Diego to finally inspect and clear other leftover metal stubs from its pathways.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

Why did the city leave the sharp metal base in the sidewalk for over a year?

• Are there other spots in the city with the exact same hazard?
• Will the city agree to settle the claim, or will this go to a full trial?