A 70-year-old California man is seeking $35 million from the city of San Diego after a serious sidewalk accident his attorney says could have been prevented.

The incident reportedly occurred on May 11 in the Mission Hills neighborhood, when the man tripped while walking with a mobility aid.

According to his lawyer, William M. Berman, the fall resulted in severe injuries, including a broken neck and back, dramatically changing the man’s life.

He now reportedly requires around-the-clock medical care while recovering at home due to the extent of his injuries.

Security footage from a nearby business allegedly shows the man catching his foot on an exposed metal parking meter base sticking out from the sidewalk.

The attorney claims the parking meter had been removed months earlier, but the remaining base created a dangerous and unexpected hazard.

After the fall, the man reportedly struck his face against his vehicle, compounding the severity of his injuries.

Berman has filed a claim against the city, arguing that it failed to properly maintain sidewalks and remove hazardous infrastructure.

He also claims similar exposed parking meter bases exist elsewhere in the city, raising broader concerns about public safety.

Local residents have echoed worries about uneven sidewalks, tree roots, and other obstacles that can make walking difficult, especially for elderly pedestrians and those using mobility devices.

One resident noted that damaged walkways already create risks, while another warned that accidents are easy to overlook until someone is seriously hurt.

The city of San Diego has said it cannot comment on individual claims or potential legal action.

The case now raises questions about municipal responsibility, infrastructure maintenance, and how cities can better prevent hazardous conditions before serious accidents occur.