A 64-year-old woman has filed a lawsuit against a city in California, alleging negligence and dangerous conditions led to her severe injuries. Silvia Trejo filed the complaint on August 26, 2024, in the Superior Court of Ventura County against the City of Fillmore.
According to the court documents, Trejo claims that on October 16, 2023, she tripped and fell on a poorly maintained sidewalk at 712 Mountain View Street in Fillmore. The complaint details how the sidewalk had a three-inch lifted panel, an uneven surface, inadequate lighting, and was obscured by leaves. These conditions allegedly made it difficult for pedestrians to see and avoid hazards. Trejo asserts that she was using due care when she fell but was unable to avoid the dangerous conditions created by the city's negligence.
Trejo's attorney, Richard R. Bredlau, states that despite multiple notifications about the hazardous sidewalk condition, including an initial claim for damages submitted on January 9, 2024, and an amended claim on April 16, 2024, the City of Fillmore failed to take corrective action. The city rejected both claims—the first rejection occurring on February 27, 2024—and reiterated their stance after receiving the amended claim.
The lawsuit alleges that the City of Fillmore and unnamed defendants (Does 1 through 50) were responsible for maintaining the sidewalk safely but failed to do so. The complaint accuses them of negligence and premises liability for not repairing or adequately warning about the dangerous condition. "Defendants had actual and constructive knowledge of said dangerous conditions," reads one part of the complaint. "The public entity had the funds and means to properly repair the sidewalk in question but simply refused to do so."
Trejo is seeking general damages for personal injuries sustained from her fall which resulted in serious injuries including damage to her face, teeth, head (including concussion), knees, hips, back as well as emotional distress. She also seeks compensation for past and future medical expenses, loss of earnings and earning capacity due to her injuries.
Representing Trejo is attorney Richard R. Bredlau from his law offices in Ventura County. The case is presided over by Judge Brenda L. McCormick under Case No. 2024CU PP028994.