Whittier Sidewalk Injury Settlement Reaches $7.5 Million
The City of Whittier has agreed to a $7.5 million sidewalk injury settlement with Justine Gurrola, a 38-year-old special education teacher who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after tripping on a raised section of sidewalk in 2018.
Gurrola was walking with her nephew on February 25, 2018, when her foot caught on an uplifted sidewalk caused by tree roots. She fell forward, striking her head on the concrete.
“Whittier is known for its beautiful trees,” Gurrola said. “Unfortunately, sometimes that can be unsafe.”
Her legal team said the uplift measured roughly two inches, creating a dangerous condition that the city had failed to repair or mark.
Years of Treatment and Life-Changing Injuries
According to court filings, Gurrola suffered a traumatic brain injury that caused permanent volume loss in her frontal and temporal lobes — the regions of the brain responsible for executive function, emotional regulation, and memory.
Seven years later, she continues to undergo neurological treatment and therapy.
“The things I loved to do I could no longer. It made me really sad,” Gurrola said, adding that her goal was to ensure others don’t suffer the same fate.
City Liability and Negligence
Gurrola’s attorneys argued that the city failed to maintain public sidewalks, as required under California Government Code §835, which holds public entities liable when an injury results from a dangerous condition of public property that the city knew or should have known about.
At the time of the incident, Whittier reportedly had no formal sidewalk inspection program, despite long-standing complaints about damage caused by tree roots. Attorneys stated that even after the city’s insurer required inspections, officials failed to create a plan for documenting and addressing sidewalk hazards.
A city official reportedly testified that tree root damage was the most common cause of claims filed against Whittier.
The California Supreme Court’s decision in Whitehead v. City of Oakland (2025) reinforced that municipalities cannot avoid liability for unsafe infrastructure through waivers or neglect. Cities have a non-delegable duty to keep public walkways reasonably safe for pedestrians.
Legal Context: Premises Liability for Public Sidewalks
Under California Government Code §835 and Civil Code §1714, cities may be held responsible for injuries caused by:
- Broken or uneven sidewalks that pose foreseeable risks.
- Lack of proper inspection or repair systems.
- Failure to warn pedestrians about known hazards.
- Tree root or infrastructure damage left unaddressed for extended periods.
Victims of sidewalk-related injuries may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, rehabilitation, and neurological care
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
- Long-term disability and support needs
Gurrola’s $7.5 million settlement follows similar recent cases across California, where cities have paid millions for failure to maintain public sidewalks — a growing issue tied to aging infrastructure and lack of proactive maintenance programs.
How We Can Help
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI like the Whittier sidewalk injury settlement case, you don’t have to face the recovery process alone. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to provide compassionate, expert guidance. We offer:
- Free Consultations: Learn about your rights and options at no cost.
- No-Win, No-Fee Guarantee: You only pay if we win your case.
- Comprehensive Support: From investigating city negligence to pursuing maximum compensation, we’re with you every step of the way.
Medical Treatment You Need, Money You Deserve
➡️ Take the First Step Toward Justice
No one should suffer life-altering injuries because of unsafe sidewalks or neglected public property. Contact the Brain Injury Help Center today for a free consultation and let us help you find justice and closure.
