A public parking structure in Ventura, California, has become the center of a legal battle after a woman suffered severe injuries due to a missing step. Guadalupe Kimball filed a complaint against the City of Ventura on September 20, 2024, in the Ventura Superior Court. The lawsuit alleges that the city was negligent in maintaining the premises, leading to her accident.
According to the complaint, Kimball was ascending a set of stairs at a public parking structure near Ventura Pier on January 2, 2024, when she encountered a dangerous condition—a missing step. This caused her to fall through the gap and sustain severe injuries. "At all relevant times hereto, CITY OF VENTURA controlled, owned, developed, operated, managed, inspected, serviced, repaired, and maintained the PREMISES including the subject set of stairs," reads the complaint.
Kimball's lawsuit claims that the City of Ventura had actual or constructive knowledge of this hazardous condition but failed to take appropriate measures to remedy it. The complaint cites several sections of California Government Code that were allegedly violated by the city's negligence. "The Defendant created said dangerous conditions and had actual knowledge of the dangerous condition of said public property," asserts Kimball's legal team.
The plaintiff is seeking general and special damages according to proof, costs incurred during litigation, prejudgment interest, and any other relief deemed just by the court. She also demands a jury trial for all causes of action listed in her complaint. The case underscores significant issues related to public safety and municipal responsibility.
Representing Kimball is Andres N. Lugo from Heimanson & Wolf LLP. The case is being overseen by Judge Brenda L. McCormick under Case No. 2024CUPP030931.