In a gripping legal battle that could reshape safety protocols in the construction industry, two California residents have filed a lawsuit against two major construction companies following a severe workplace accident. On May 5, 2025, Manuel Bernal and his wife Engracia Becerra filed an unverified complaint for damages in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against Creative Ceilings, Inc., BCCI Construction LLC, and several unnamed defendants.
The plaintiffs allege that on August 7, 2024, Manuel Bernal was gravely injured while working as a journeyman floor installer at a project site managed by BCCI Construction LLC. The incident occurred at 345 4th Street in San Francisco when Bernal was struck by a box of ceiling tiles that fell from an improperly stacked dolly operated by employees of Creative Ceilings, Inc. This unfortunate event resulted in Bernal suffering from severe injuries to his head, neck, left arm, back, and a traumatic brain injury. According to the complaint filed by Arns Davis Law on behalf of the plaintiffs, both defendant companies failed to ensure safe working conditions and violated several safety codes including Civil Code § 1714 and Labor Code § 6401.
The lawsuit accuses BCCI Construction LLC of negligence and premises liability for failing to secure safe work areas and adequately supervise subcontractors. The company allegedly did not conduct necessary safety inspections or provide warnings about hazardous conditions on-site. Creative Ceilings, Inc., meanwhile, is accused of stacking materials unsafely and failing to prevent the accident that led to Bernal's injuries. The complaint emphasizes that these actions breached the duty of care owed to workers under California law.
Plaintiffs Manuel Bernal and Engracia Becerra are seeking compensatory damages for economic losses such as medical expenses and lost wages due to Bernal's inability to work post-accident. They also seek non-economic damages for pain and suffering endured by both parties. Additionally, Engracia Becerra claims loss of consortium due to her husband's injuries impacting their marital relationship.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Robert S. Arns, Jonathan E. Davis, and Juan C. Flores from Arns Davis Law based in San Francisco. The case has been assigned Case ID CGC-25-625081 but does not yet list any defense attorneys or judges involved.