A devastating maritime accident has led to a lawsuit filed against a prominent transportation district. On March 4, 2025, Tracy and Lynette Simerley filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against the Golden Gate Highway and Transportation District (GGHTD). The plaintiffs allege negligence under the Jones Act and seek compensatory damages following a tragic incident involving Mr. Simerley.
The case revolves around an incident on June 16, 2024, when Tracy Simerley was working aboard the ferry M/V Mendocino, operated by GGHTD. Under the command of Captain Robert Lowe, Mr. Simerley was directed to secure a mooring line outside the vessel's bulwarks. During this task, as the ferry began to back out from the San Francisco Ferry Terminal, it collided with a terminal float. This collision resulted in Mr. Simerley's left foot being crushed between the moving vessel's rub rail and a stationary terminal float fender. As outlined in their complaint, "Mr. Simerley suffered severe and permanent injuries," which included multiple surgeries and ultimately led to the amputation of his left leg below the knee.
The plaintiffs argue that GGHTD was negligent in several ways: failing to properly inspect and operate the Mendocino, not providing safe equipment or qualified crew members for Mr. Simerley to work with, and not adhering to industry safety standards or their own Safety Management System. The lawsuit cites violations of United States Coast Guard Regulations and claims that these failures directly caused Mr. Simerley's injuries.
In addition to negligence under the Jones Act, Tracy Simerley also accuses GGHTD of breaching its duty under general maritime law by operating an unseaworthy vessel. The complaint states that "the Mendocino and her decks, gear, equipment... were unsafe" due to inadequate maintenance and unqualified personnel operating it.
Tracy Simerley's wife, Lynette Simerley, is also seeking damages for loss of consortium due to her husband's injuries affecting their marital relationship. She claims deprivation of his companionship and support as he can no longer perform many duties as a spouse.
The plaintiffs are seeking various forms of relief from the court: general damages exceeding $35,000; special damages for medical expenses; maintenance costs during disability; loss-of-consortium damages; pre-judgment interest; legal costs; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Tracy and Lynette Simerley are attorneys John R. Hillsman and Abraham Feinstein Hillsman from McGuinn, Hillsman & Palefsky based in San Francisco. The case is identified as CGC-25-622935 in front of Judge Sahar Enayati at the Superior Court of California.