Sidewalk trip-and-fall claims remain among the most persistent and preventable sources of liability for public agencies. In many cases, the outcome hinges not on the condition itself, but on the quality of the city’s documentation and its ability to clearly demonstrate what was known, when it was known, and how it was addressed.

From Sidewalks to Settlements: Using Documentation to Win Trip-and-Fall Claims explores how agencies can shift from reactive claims management to a proactive, defensible strategy built on strong inspection practices and comprehensive recordkeeping. Drawing on real-world examples from firms that have supported some of the most effective sidewalk defense efforts in recent litigation, this session will highlight how high-quality documentation can significantly influence claim outcomes.

Participants will gain insight into how detailed inspection reports, photo documentation, and measurable defect analysis can help eliminate “lack of notice” arguments and strengthen legal defenses. The session will also examine a critical shift in approach, from relying on fragmented systems and anecdotal reporting to developing robust, citywide historical datasets. When organized and presented effectively, this level of documentation has proven highly persuasive to plaintiff attorneys, judges, and juries.

While enhanced inspection and documentation programs may require greater upfront investment, this session will demonstrate how those costs are often offset by reduced litigation exposure, lower settlement values, and fewer preventable injuries.

Key takeaways:

• Why sidewalk claims are often lost, and how stronger documentation can change the outcome

• What best-in-class inspection and maintenance documentation looks like in practice

• How comprehensive historical data can reshape litigation dynamics

• Making the cost-benefit case for proactive sidewalk risk management

This roundtable is designed for risk managers, public works professionals, attorneys, and claims specialists seeking practical, proven strategies to reduce sidewalk liability and improve defensibility when claims arise.

Participants are encouraged to submit any questions in advance to help presenters tailor the discussion to attendees’ areas of interest. Please send questions to the Roundtable host, California JPIA Senior Risk Manager Tony Leite, by Monday, June 15, or bring them to the event.

The California JPIA's Risk Managers Roundtables allow members to explore important topics and share experiences with their peers, providing open discussion and dialogue about timely issues. 

 
Registration Information: There is no cost to attend this event, which is open exclusively to Authority members. Those interested in attending must complete a registration request online. A Zoom event link will be included in the registration confirmation email.

If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate, please contact the California JPIA training department by email at training@cjpia.org within two business days of the training date. Please note that the Authority is closed on Fridays.