A California man is demanding $35 million from the city of San Diego after what his attorney says was a preventable sidewalk accident left him with life-changing injuries.
The 70-year-old suffered a broken neck and back after tripping in the Mission Hills neighborhood on May 11. According to his attorney, William M. Berman, the fall has left the man requiring around-the-clock medical care as he continues recovering at home.
Berman claims his client and his wife were walking back to their car after eating at a local sushi restaurant when the incident happened, according to NBC San Diego.
Security footage from a nearby animal clinic captured the moment. The man, who has not been publicly identified, can be seen using a walking aid as he heads toward his vehicle before catching his foot on the exposed base of a parking meter.
Although the parking meter itself was reportedly removed last year, its metal base remained sticking out of the sidewalk. After stumbling, the man fell facefirst into his car, suffering the severe injuries.
“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 said, according to UNILAD.
Files $35 million lawsuit
The attorney has now filed a claim seeking $35,000,000 in damages, arguing the city left the parking meter base in “a dangerous condition.”
Berman also alleges that similar exposed parking meter bases can be found in other San Diego neighborhoods.
Speaking to CBS 8 San Diego, he said his client hopes the lawsuit leads to safer public walkways.
“My client wants the city to maintain its public sidewalks in a safe condition.
“My client wants to make sure that the city’s responsbile in its maintenance program.”
Berman further claimed the city allegedly “ran out of money to maintain its parking meter maintenance program,” leaving exposed meter bases that pose “a danger to the public.”
Some local residents have also raised concerns about the sidewalk hazards.
Laura Landisi, who lives near where the incident occurred, told NBC: “Especially (because my husband) uses a walker, and the sidewalks are not even because of the trees (roots).”
Her husband, Robert, added: “If you’re not paying attention, you run your wheel right into it. Fortunately, I have yet to fall.”
UNILAD contacted the city of San Diego for comment. In response, the city said: “The City cannot comment on individual claims or potential litigation.”
NEW: 70 year old man files a $35 million claim against the city of San Diego, California after he tripped on a damaged sidewalk.
The man reportedly was knocked unconscious from the fall, breaking his back and neck.
Attorney William Berman says his client tripped on the metal… pic.twitter.com/pqZWfCigtH
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 29, 2026
