Introduction
In a recent high-profile case, Edlin Gallagher Huie + Blum (EGHB) successfully defended the San Francisco 49ers in a wrongful death lawsuit alleging negligence and premises liability. The case, which stemmed from a 2018 assault at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, demonstrates EGHB’s expertise in navigating complex legal challenges and securing favorable outcomes for its clients.
Case Background
The incident in question occurred when the plaintiff was unforeseeably attacked and severely beaten in the parking lot of Levi’s Stadium after a San Francisco 49ers football game. The assailant attacked the plaintiff after he kicked a glass bottle that struck the assailant’s car. The assault left the plaintiff with a severe brain injury, and unable to work. The plaintiff ultimately died from injuries his family alleged were caused by the attack.
Plaintiffs’ Claims were based on the grounds that the 49ers and co-defendant Landmark
Event Staffing Services, Inc., allegedly:
- Failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the violent attack on the plaintiff.
- Failed to provide reasonably adequate security.
- Permitted known criminals and/or gang members to be present.
- Failed to promote responsible consumption of alcohol.
- Promoted excessive consumption of alcohol before, during, and after stadium events.
- Failed to eject people consuming alcohol after the game or exhibiting drunk or disorderly conduct.
Defense Strategy by Edlin Gallagher Huie + Blum
EGHB attorneys mounted a robust defense and through investigation and discovery disproved each of these allegations:
- Absence of Causation: The defense established that there was no substantial, nonspeculative evidence to suggest that the defendants’ actions or omissions caused the plaintiff’s injuries. They emphasized that the incident was swift and sudden, occurred within seconds, and it was therefore speculative to suggest that increased security measures could have prevented the assault.
- Adequate Security Measures: EGHB presented overwhelming evidence that the security measures in place at Levi’s Stadium were adequate. They established that there were at least 923 security personnel present at the stadium, which included uniformed security personnel, off-duty police officers, and other law enforcement officers. This security presence was far more extensive than what had been deemed sufficient in similar cases.
- Speculative Expert Testimony: The defense successfully challenged the plaintiffs’ expert testimony, arguing that the opinions he offered were speculative and lacked a factual basis. The court agreed, finding that the expert’s opinions on causation were based on conjecture and speculation rather than substantial evidence.
- Precedent and Case Law: EGHB attorneys relied on relevant case law to support their arguments, including the landmark cases of Saelzler v. Advanced Group 400, Leslie G. v. Perry & Associates, and Noble v. Los Angeles Dodgers, Inc., which hold that a plaintiff must provide nonspeculative evidence of a causal link between the defendant’s actions and the plaintiff’s injuries.
Outcome
The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of both defendants, concluding that the plaintiffs had failed to establish breach and causation, essentials elements of their negligence and premises liability claims. The court found that the evidence did not support the plaintiffs’ theories that the defendants’ actions or omissions were a substantial factor in causing the attack on the decedent.
Conclusion
According to EGHB Equity Partner Mr. Noel Edlin, who argued the summary judgment motion and appeal, the case provides important guideposts to owners and operators of large professional sports arenas on the measures they must take to avoid incurring liability for the violent acts of third parties. Mr. Edlin further noted that the successful outcome in this matter underscores Edlin Gallagher Huie + Blum’s expertise in handling complex negligence and premises liability cases in the trial and appellate courts. For more information on our firm or to discuss your legal needs, please contact our office today.