Facts

Plaintiff bus driver for MTD sued the City of Santa Barbara alleging dangerous condition of public property. Plaintiff stepped off his bus at a bus stop onto a sidewalk that had a 17/18 elevation differential. Plaintiff fell to the ground and broke his ankle.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTION: Plaintiff contended that the sidewalk elevation differential created a dangerous condition.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant contended that the condition was not dangerous and that it had no notice of the allegedly dangerous condition since no other accidents had occurred in the area. Defendant further contended that the fall was a result of plaintiff's own negligence.

Injuries

Plaintiff broke his ankle and was unable to work for 4.5 months.

Result

The jury awarded plaintiff $68,270 to cover $38,270 for special damages and $30,000 for general damages. The jury did not find plaintiff contributorily negligent for the incident.

Deliberation

3.5 hours

Length

four days