In a harrowing case of alleged negligence, a San Francisco resident has filed a lawsuit following a catastrophic accident that left him permanently disabled. The complaint was filed by Abraham Horrillo, through his Guardian ad Litem Scott Horrillo, in the Superior Court of California for the County of San Francisco on October 2, 2024. The defendants named in the suit include Connie Yipmung Chan, Eugene Chiching Wong, Tabitha M. Wong, Connie Chan and Associates, and 736 Commercial Street, LLC.
The lawsuit arises from an incident on January 14, 2024, when Abraham Horrillo suffered severe injuries after falling from a fourth-story fire escape at his residence located at 736 Commercial Street in San Francisco. According to the complaint, the fire escape was improperly used as a deck or balcony and did not meet building code requirements for such structures. The railing height was allegedly about 30 inches high—nearly a foot shorter than permitted by code—which contributed to Horrillo's fall. As a result of this fall, Horrillo sustained life-altering injuries including quadriplegia and traumatic brain injury that have rendered him unable to speak or perform daily activities without assistance.
The plaintiff contends that the property owners and managers were negligent in maintaining safe conditions at the rental property. It is alleged that tenants were allowed to use the fire escape as a recreational space without proper warnings or safety measures in place. "There were no signs anywhere... warning tenants about the dangerous conditions," states the complaint. Furthermore, it accuses the defendants of failing to comply with building codes by installing unauthorized doors leading directly onto the fire escape from inside Unit 3.
Horrillo seeks compensatory damages exceeding $35,000 for his medical expenses and loss of earning capacity due to his inability to work post-accident. The lawsuit also demands accountability for past and future medical bills related to his extensive care needs stemming from his injuries. Additionally, it calls for pre-judgment and post-judgment interest on all damages awarded by law.
Representing Abraham Horrillo is attorney Joseph A. Androvich from Brelsford, Androvich & White law firm based in Sacramento. The case is being heard under Case No: CGC-24-618623 at the Superior Court of California in San Francisco County.