In a harrowing incident that underscores the responsibilities of property owners and dog owners alike, a woman has filed a lawsuit following a vicious dog attack. On March 4, 2025, Sarah Sandoval lodged a complaint in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of San Francisco, against multiple defendants including the State of California and the City of San Francisco.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on November 3, 2024, when Sarah Sandoval was attacked by a dog at a property located at 540 Jones St., San Francisco. The premises are owned by several public entities including the State of California and the San Francisco Housing Authority. According to Sandoval's attorneys from Wilshire Law Firm, Davida M. Frieman and Arnold E. Reed II, these entities were aware or should have been aware of the presence of a dangerous dog on their property but failed to take necessary actions to protect tenants and visitors. The complaint accuses these public entities of negligence under California's statutory liability for dog bites and maintaining a dangerous condition on government property.
Sarah Sandoval claims that she suffered severe injuries as a result of this attack, which included lacerations and bruises to her right leg. She argues that John Doe 1, identified as the dog's owner in the complaint, failed to control or secure his pet adequately. "Despite knowing about the presence of the violent dog," reads part of her complaint, "the defendants failed to take corrective action." The legal filing further alleges that John Doe 1 did not leash or confine his dog on the day of the incident, thereby breaching his duty to maintain safe conditions.
Sandoval is seeking compensation for both economic damages such as medical expenses and loss of earnings as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Her legal team emphasizes that she has complied with all government claim requirements before filing this lawsuit. Specifically, she served notice to relevant government entities on February 4, 2025; while some claims were denied shortly thereafter, others remain unanswered.
The plaintiff is demanding a jury trial and requests judgment against all named defendants for past and future damages related to her injuries. She also seeks pre-judgment and post-judgment interest along with any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Sarah Sandoval are attorneys Davida M. Frieman and Arnold E. Reed II from Wilshire Law Firm. The case is presided over by Judge Sahar Enayati under Case ID CGC-25-622945.