San Diego rushes to fix parking meter bases after $35 million lawsuit exposes sidewalk danger

A routine walk should never end in a devastating injury. But for one San Diego resident, a trip to a neighborhood restaurant turned into a life-changing accident after he tripped over an exposed parking meter base. The resulting $35 million lawsuit has prompted the city to accelerate repairs, raising new questions about sidewalk safety and neglected infrastructure.

WHAT HAPPENED

On May 11, a 70-year-old man and his wife were leaving a restaurant near West Washington Street and Albatross Drive in San Diego's Mission Hills neighborhood.

The man, who uses a cane, was walking to his parked car when he tripped over the rusted metal base of a parking meter that had been removed about a year earlier.

Security video captured the fall. He struck his head against his parked vehicle, lost consciousness, and suffered a broken neck and a broken back. He spent 18 days in the hospital and now requires around-the-clock care.

His attorney, William Berman, filed a $35 million claim against the City of San Diego, alleging the city created a dangerous condition by failing to properly remove or repair the exposed parking meter base.

According to the claim, investigators found bolts protruding nearly two inches above the sidewalk. Berman also alleged the city had scaled back its parking meter maintenance program, leaving similar hazards in neighborhoods including Mission Hills, Hillcrest, and Balboa Park.

WHY IT MATTERS

The case highlights the consequences of delaying basic infrastructure maintenance.

For older adults and people with mobility challenges, exposed bolts and damaged sidewalks can pose serious safety risks. The lawsuit also underscores how neglected public infrastructure can expose cities to significant financial liability.

The city's response suggests officials are now treating the issue as a priority after the legal claim brought renewed attention to the hazards.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

City crews have begun modifying and repairing parking meter bases throughout San Diego.

Workers have been seen removing or covering exposed metal bases and protruding bolts to reduce tripping hazards.

The city is also facing renewed scrutiny over reports submitted through its "Get It Done" system, with residents and advocacy groups calling for more proactive maintenance instead of waiting until serious injuries occur.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

How many hazardous parking meter bases remain across San Diego?

• Whether additional injury claims or lawsuits will be filed.
• What long-term funding or policy changes the city will make to prevent similar hazards in the future.