Facts

Matthew Mehegan sued the City of Torrance in connection with a fall that allegedly occurred on April 17, 2015.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
At around six in the morning, plaintiff was walking his dog at a park when he stepped on a steel vault lid. The lid gave in, causing his right leg to fall three feet below into a sewer vault. His left leg fell into a compromising position, causing the upper half of his body to land on the concrete. Plaintiff sustained serious injuries to his sacrum and lower extremities.

Plaintiff sued the city, which owned, maintained, and installed the vault. The city allegedly failed to maintain the sewer vault, thereby creating a dangerous condition of public property.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The city contended it did not have actual notice of the condition.

Damages

Mehegan sought $67,661 in past medical expenses and an unspecified amount in future medical expenses and past and future pain and suffering.

Injuries

Mehegan sustained fractures to his sacrum and spine. He also suffered from multiple abrasions and contusions. He underwent surgery on his lumbar spine and physical therapy. Despite surgery and treatment, he continued to experience pain and limitations.

Result

The parties reached $112,500 in settlement.

Other Information

FILING DATE: March 4, 2016.