A woman has filed a lawsuit against a prominent California institution, alleging negligence after suffering injuries on its premises. Alison Nelson lodged her complaint in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco, on October 10, 2024, targeting the California Academy of Sciences as the defendant.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on March 30, 2023, when Nelson was visiting the California Academy of Sciences (CAS) in San Francisco. According to the complaint, she tripped over raised lights installed within a walkway at the top of the stairs near the entry of the CAS building. This fall resulted in severe personal injuries due to what Nelson describes as an "unsafe and dangerous condition" that posed an unreasonable risk of harm. The lawsuit claims that CAS and unnamed defendants (referred to as DOES ONE through TWENTY) were negligent in their ownership, maintenance, and operation of these premises.
Nelson's legal team argues that CAS had control over all decisions regarding the condition of its property and failed to use reasonable care to ensure safety. They assert that this negligence directly caused Nelson's injuries. "Defendants so carelessly and negligently owned...and repaired the SUBJECT PREMISES," states the complaint, emphasizing their failure to maintain a safe environment or provide adequate warnings about potential hazards.
The plaintiff seeks compensation for various damages resulting from her injuries. These include general and noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life. Additionally, Nelson is claiming economic damages for medical expenses incurred due to hospitalization and treatment following her fall. She also cites a loss of earnings and earning capacity stemming from her injuries.
In total, Nelson's claim exceeds $50,000 for each category: general damages, medical expenses, and lost earnings. Her legal representatives are seeking interest according to law on these amounts along with costs incurred during litigation. The complaint further demands a jury trial for all issues triable under California law.
Representing Alison Nelson is Jeffrey R. Smith from Abramson Smith Waldsmith LLP. The case has been assigned Case No.: CGC-24-618886 in front of Judge yet-to-be-named at the Superior Court in San Francisco.