San Diego City Council members agreed this week to pay $235,000 to a woman who suffered significant injuries when she hit a pothole while cycling on Torrey Pines Road in La Jolla in 2014.

Cathleen Summerford suffered injuries to her head, pelvis, and lower back after hitting a pothole described as three inches deep and 15 inches wide in an October 2015 lawsuit.

The incident, which took place near the Salk Institute, is one of several pothole-related collisions that have prompted lawsuits against the city in recent years.

Summerford’s suit says the city is aware of the problem but has failed to take remedial action. The council unanimously approved the settlement on Tuesday.


The payout will come from the city’s public liability fund, money San Diego sets aside each year to cover litigation settlements and related costs, such as attorney’s fees for plaintiffs.

david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrick