Court Approves $1.75 Million Settlement of Wrongful Death Suit Against San Francisco Nightclub

From Marketwatch.com,

Eduardo Mendoza and Denise Mendoza, parents of Justin Mendoza, obtained court approval of the settlement in the wrongful death suit (Case No. CGC-070461540) against Club Cocomo, K-Dubb Security, and the property owners for $1.75 million. Justin Mendoza, 21 years old at the time, was fatally shot on March 21, 2005, on Indiana Street near Club Cocomo after attending a "hip-hop" event.

"Nightclub violence is a serious problem in San Francisco. Police, politicians, citizens, and even the industry-friendly San Francisco Entertainment Commission are beginning to scrutinize, restrict licenses, and even close outfits like Club Cocomo. This precedent-setting settlement should serve as a wake-up call to the clubs that cater to and profit from the violence-prone club-goers without taking any responsibility for the consequences," said David C. Anderson of the Law Office of David C. Anderson, who represented the Mendoza family. "The history of violence not only inside the nightclub but out on Indiana Street should have resulted in its closure years ago. Unfortunately, no action was ever taken and the promising life of Justin was ended. The Mendoza family hopes this settlement will send a loud and clear message that enough is enough and that no family will have to suffer the loss of a loved one due to preventable violence."

Records from the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) indicated a long history of fighting, stabbings, and use of weapons inside and in front of Club Cocomo, along with nearly 100 complaints of noise disturbances going back to January 1, 2004.

"In addition, two SFPD Bayview District sergeants described the club as one of the 'hot spots' known to law enforcement as a magnet for gangs and others prone to violence, particularly on hip-hop nights," added Anderson.

Read more about the history of the case at Marketwatch.com