Jury Awards $200K in Fresno Cemetery Injury Lawsuit
Table of Contents
Case Background: Events Before the Incident
On July 12, 2021, Alfredo Molina visited the Skyview Memorial Lawn premises at 1620 W. Belmont Avenue, Fresno, California. He was lawfully present when the incident occurred. At the time, he expected the area to be reasonably safe for visitors. The location was under the control and management of Skyview Memorial Lawn.
Cause: What Led to the Legal Dispute
Molina claimed that a vehicle was negligently operated on or near the property. The incident involved a motor vehicle, and Molina alleged the Defendants, including unnamed Does, were responsible. He asserted that the driver operated the vehicle carelessly and that Skyview Memorial Lawn either owned, entrusted, or allowed use of the vehicle. Molina also alleged that the driver was an employee or agent of the defendants, acting within the scope of employment. These acts, according to the complaint, directly caused the incident that injured him.
Injury: Consequences for the Plaintiff
As a result of the incident, Molina suffered physical harm. The complaint indicated that the impact caused significant personal injury. The injuries disrupted Molina’s life and required medical attention. He experienced emotional distress and mental anguish. The damage was serious enough to warrant a lawsuit seeking financial recovery.
Damages: What the Plaintiff Seeks
Molina sought compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, and loss of earning capacity. He also claimed damages for incidental costs and emotional suffering. The complaint included future medical care and treatment costs. Molina further requested prejudgment interest, litigation costs, and any other relief allowed by law. He demanded compensatory and potentially punitive damages, with the amount to be determined by proof at trial.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Alfredo Molina
Counsel for Plaintiff: Daniella Saeedian
Defendant: Skyview Memorial Lawn, Inc.
Counsel for Defendant: William W. Pinkley
Claims: Allegations Against the Defendants
Molina’s lawsuit presented two legal claims:
Motor Vehicle Negligence – He alleged that the Defendants negligently operated, owned, entrusted, or supervised use of the vehicle involved.
General Negligence – He claimed that Skyview Memorial Lawn and others failed to ensure safety on the premises, leading to the incident.
Defense
Skyview Memorial Lawn, Inc. filed a general denial to Alfredo Molina’s unverified complaint under California Code of Civil Procedure § 431.30(d), disputing all allegations and denying any liability for damages. The defendant asserted that the complaint failed to state a valid cause of action and raised several affirmative defenses, including contributory negligence by the plaintiff, third-party fault, assumption of risk, unavoidable accident, failure to mitigate damages, and expiration of applicable statutes of limitations.
Additionally, the defendant invoked California Civil Code § 1431.2, claiming that any liability for non-economic damages should be several, not joint, and limited to its proportional share of fault. The defendant requested the court to dismiss the claims and award costs of suit.
Verdict
On June 9, 2025, a Fresno County jury found Skyview Memorial Lawn negligent and awarded Alfredo Molina $200,000 in past medical expenses.