This case involved a dangerous condition of public property in Hermosa Beach, California, where the plaintiff sustained a traumatic brain injury while playing pickleball. The City had converted tennis courts into pickleball courts without adhering to applicable safety standards, including the required minimum overrun space behind the baseline. As a result, the plaintiff collided with a concrete wall located dangerously close to the playing area while attempting to chase down a ball. Investigation revealed that the project had been improperly awarded to a contractor without a proper public bidding process, circumventing legal requirements and resulting in unsafe design and construction.
The case was resolved for $3,000,000. This matter highlights the duty of municipalities to maintain safe public facilities and comply with statutory requirements for public works projects.