A lawsuit waiting to happen. (Twitter/@TedNguyen)

Protruding tree roots and crumbling curbs are the norm, making simply walking around the block a hazard. But City Councilman Paul Krekorian proposed new measures to address the problem so that sidewalks aren't merely fixed on "a piecemeal basis," according to the L.A. Times.

A budget of $10 million for sidewalk repairs went largely untouched last year due to a lack of concrete (pun intended) plans on how to allocate those funds. The 2014 budget is set at $20 million with an additional $7 million from last year.

Krekorian plans to use those funds by asking city staffers to contribute reports on how best to spend the money, prioritizing areas with the "highest potential for liability." The L.A. Times says Krekorian's office estimates the city spends $3-$5 million ever year defending or settling lawsuits resulting from unsafe sidewalks.

The proposal also includes suggestions on encouraging businesses and government agencies to fix their sidewalks, as well as creating a loan program to help homeowners initiate and expedite repairs in their neighborhoods.

The proposal must still be review by the appropriate City Council committees. Considering city officials estimate 40 percent of sidewalks need repairs, here's hoping we see some headway.

SEE ALSO: 'Recycled Sidewalks Proposed By Councilman'

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