A Ventura County resident has filed a lawsuit against multiple public entities and individuals, alleging severe injuries due to a hazardous sidewalk condition. The complaint was filed by Melodi A. Calderwood in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, on September 11, 2024, targeting the City of Thousand Oaks and other defendants.
The case centers around an incident that occurred on October 18, 2023. According to the complaint, Calderwood was walking her dog at approximately 7:00 AM when she tripped over an uplifted section of the sidewalk near Bronzewood Court in Thousand Oaks. The uplift, caused by tree roots, created a vertical displacement of about 2.5 inches. Calderwood claims this trip hazard was inconspicuous and unguarded, leading to her fall and subsequent severe injuries including a right wrist fracture requiring surgery, a concussion, and various other physical traumas.
Calderwood asserts that both the City of Thousand Oaks and the County of Ventura were notified about the dangerous condition through formal claims submitted on April 10, 2024. These claims were rejected by May 30 and May 17 respectively. She argues that these entities had ample time to address the hazard but failed to do so. The lawsuit further names Lino Suarez-Guzman as an individual defendant who allegedly owns or manages the property adjacent to where the accident occurred. Additionally, Rosewood at Thousand Oaks Homeowners Association is cited for its role in managing or controlling the area.
The plaintiff's attorney Jilber S. Jamgochyan outlines several causes of action including negligence and premises liability against all named defendants. Calderwood alleges that these parties failed in their duty to maintain safe conditions on public walkways and neglected necessary repairs or warnings about potential hazards. She contends that this negligence directly resulted in her serious injuries which have led to ongoing pain and suffering as well as significant medical expenses.
Calderwood seeks general damages exceeding the jurisdictional minimum for civil unlimited cases in Ventura County Superior Court. She also requests compensation for past and future medical expenses, incidental costs related to her injuries, wage loss due to diminished earning capacity, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Calderwood is attorney Jilber S. Jamgochyan from his law office located in Westlake Village, California. The case is presided over by judges from Ventura Superior Court under Case No: 2024CUPP030273.