A harrowing incident involving a fall through a skylight has led to a lawsuit that could have significant implications for property management and safety standards. On October 18, 2024, Samantha Dunham and Matthew Knoell filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against Bryan Wong, Jason Wong, Cynthia Wong, Kathy Lee, Stanly Wong, and other unnamed defendants. The plaintiffs allege negligence on the part of the defendants in maintaining safe conditions at a property located at 3240 17th St., San Francisco.
According to the complaint filed by Dunham and Knoell, the defendants were responsible for ensuring the safety of their premises but failed to do so. The plaintiffs claim that on October 28, 2023, they suffered personal injuries after falling through an unsafe rooftop skylight due to hazardous conditions that had been left unaddressed. The lawsuit asserts that these dangerous conditions existed long enough for the defendants to be aware of them but no warnings were provided nor corrective actions taken. "Defendants negligently conducted themselves," states the complaint, accusing them of failing to maintain and inspect the property adequately.
The plaintiffs further allege that all named defendants were acting as agents or employees within their scope of employment or joint venture when these negligent acts occurred. They argue that each defendant was also negligent in selecting their co-defendants as agents or employees. This suggests a broader issue with how responsibilities were managed among those involved with the property's upkeep.
Dunham and Knoell are seeking general and special damages according to proof at trial. They are also requesting compensation for costs incurred from this suit and interest on their claims. Their legal representation is being handled by DeWitt Algorri + Algorri LLP and Sam & Ash LLP, with attorneys Mark S. Algorri and Patrick S. Nolan leading their case.
This case will be presided over by judges from the Superior Court of California in San Francisco under Case ID CGC-24-619086. The plaintiffs' attorneys are pushing for accountability not only from individuals directly involved but also from any corporate entities associated with maintaining safe premises.