In a dramatic legal move, a California resident has taken action against the City and County of San Francisco, as well as the State of California, alleging negligence that led to serious personal injuries. On May 2, 2025, Tami Stewart filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California in San Francisco County against these public entities. The lawsuit claims that dangerous conditions on a public sidewalk resulted in her sustaining significant injuries.
The incident at the heart of this case occurred on June 11, 2024. According to the complaint, Stewart was walking along The Embarcadero between Green Street and Pacific Avenue when she tripped over an elevated section of sidewalk. This fall resulted in severe injuries including facial scarring and a fractured hand. Stewart argues that the sidewalk's condition was perilous due to uneven pavement caused by encroaching tree roots and insufficient maintenance by city authorities. She alleges that there were no warning signs about the hazardous conditions, which violated Government Code § 835 concerning public property safety.
Stewart's legal team asserts that both the City and County of San Francisco had prior knowledge or should have been aware of these dangerous conditions given their responsibility for maintaining safe public spaces. The lawsuit also targets unknown defendants referred to as "DOES," who may include adjacent landowners responsible for maintaining parts of the sidewalk. Stewart is seeking damages exceeding $35,000 for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of earnings capacity.
The case outlines two primary causes of action: dangerous condition of public property and negligence/premises liability. Stewart's attorneys argue that all named defendants failed in their duty to ensure pedestrian safety by neglecting necessary repairs or warnings about the unsafe sidewalk conditions. Despite filing claims with relevant government bodies following proper procedures, her initial claims were denied by city officials on November 12, 2024.
Representing Stewart is Adam Kocaj from the Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates. The case is presided over by Judge Sahar Enayati under Case No.: CGC-25-624987.