A devastating fire incident has sparked a legal battle in San Francisco, as two trustees accuse their neighbor of negligence leading to extensive property damage. On February 13, 2025, Patrick Mooney and Stephen Tom filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against Andra Young. The plaintiffs allege that Young's failure to maintain her property resulted in a fire that spread to their residence.
Patrick Mooney and Stephen Tom, both individually and as co-trustees of the Mooney Tom Living Trust dated September 27, 2017, have taken legal action against their neighbor Andra Young. The lawsuit was filed following an incident on February 14, 2023, when a fire originating from Young's property at 56 Carmelita Street expanded onto the plaintiffs' adjacent property at 60-62 Carmelita Street. According to the complaint, Mooney and Tom claim that Young's negligence in maintaining her property's electrical or lighting systems led to the fire. They further argue that under the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur, the circumstances surrounding the fire indicate negligence on Young's part because such an event would not typically occur without it.
The plaintiffs are seeking monetary compensation for both economic damages and emotional distress caused by the incident. They argue that they have suffered significant financial losses due to damage to their property and personal belongings. Additionally, they claim emotional distress resulting from the traumatic experience of witnessing their home being engulfed by flames. The complaint requests damages in amounts to be determined at trial, along with costs, interest, attorney’s fees as permitted by law, and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Mooney and Tom are attorneys P. Kurt Peterson and K. Nina Reynolds from Peterson Martin & Reynolds LLP based in Lafayette, California. The case is identified under Case No.: CGC-25-622375 and will be presided over by judges yet to be named in court documents.