City of San Diego Agrees to $4.8 Million Settlement to Resolve Fatal Premises Liability Case

Joseph Lopez, et al. v. City of San Diego (San Diego Super Ct. No. 37-2016-00027281-CU-PA-CTL): On August 24, 2013 the City of San Diego agreed to the terms of a $4.8 million wrongful death case where a pedestrian was struck and killed by a motorist. Plaintiffs alleged that a “dip” in the road in front of a hospital created a dangerous condition that obscured the view of oncoming vehicles from the view of pedestrians who crossed this street to reach a hospital on the other side. Plaintiff further argued that the city allowed vehicles to park in an unpaved area of the road across the street from the hospital, forcing pedestrians to cross the road in the unsafe location. Defendant denied all contentions and argued that the pedestrians were not paying proper attention at the time of the incident. Plaintiffs were represented by Singleton Schreiber LLP. Defendant was represented by the Office of the San Diego City Attorney.