Teen files $70,000 claim against city for fall

A teenager is asking for $70,000 after falling in an irrigation cover in a Huntington Beach park.

Brittany Ann Hanson, 17, a Rosemead resident, filed a claim against the city Jan. 8 for past and future medical bills, and pain and suffering totaling more than $100,000 after injuring her knee and wrist, according to the claim. A claim is the precursor to a lawsuit.

Hanson injured her knee and wrist when she fell in a broken metal irrigation cover in the picnic area of Sunset Aquatic Regional Park on July 11, according to the claim. She suffered lacerations and orthopedic injuries to her knee. The park’s design and maintenance created a safety hazard, according to the claim.

“It’s just a negligence issue for maintenance and design,” lawyer Casey Hull said.

Hanson also filed claims in Seal Beach and with the county because of the park’s unique location. Hull said the park is a multi-jurisdiction area.

— Britney Barnes