Custody Is a Promise. We Enforce It.

When a hospital, a nursing home, or a psychiatric facility takes responsibility for someone you love and fails — then alters the record to hide it — you need lawyers who know how to find that. Rencher Law Group has spent twenty years doing exactly this work in San Francisco and San Diego.

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A Trusted San Francisco and San Diego Personal Injury Firm Where Results Matter

The Cases Other Firms Send Back.

Families come to us after the statute has run, after another lawyer has withdrawn, after an institution has already denied everything in writing. Those are the cases this firm was built for.

Our founding attorney came to law through the Marine Corps as an aircraft firefighter and emergency medical technician. The habit of running toward the emergency predates the law license.

What We Handle

Most of our work involves an institution that was trusted with someone and failed. The rest involves a driver, a property owner, or a company that put a person at risk and then denied it. Both require the same thing: an investigation that does not stop at the incident report.

Personal Injury

We handle serious injury claims with thorough investigation and relentless advocacy—from negotiations through trial.

Auto Accidents

Dedicated representation after car, truck, motorcycle, and other motor vehicle collisions, focused on liability and damages.

Elder Abuse

We pull the audit trail, the staffing records, and the CDPH citation history — and we trace the facility up through the corporate structure that set its budget.

Wrongful Death

Compassionate counsel for families seeking justice and financial recovery after a preventable loss.

Bicycle Accidents

We represent cyclists in accidents with cars, trucks, and other vehicles, advocating for fair compensation and safety on the roads.

Truck Accidents

We represent victims of truck accidents, advocating for fair compensation and safety on the roads.

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Standing the Watch

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Senior associate

Managing attorney

Sr. Paralegal / Sr. Case Manager

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Rencher Law Group represents individuals and families harmed by negligence, abuse, and institutional failure.

We investigate the corporate structure behind the facility, pull the regulatory record, and read the audit trail — because the failure is almost never confined to one shift.

What We Found

Falsified observation records. Chart entries made after the time of death. A device cleaned wrong and never reported. In each of these matters, the failure was documented — and then the documentation was the second problem.

Elder Abandonment & Wrongful Death - Home Care Negligence

A 92-year-old dementia patient died after his contracted home care provider failed to send a caregiver on a scheduled weekend. He suffered a fall and lay undiscovered for nearly three days, sustaining broken ribs, a torn rotator cuff, and severe dehydration. The provider’s representative later acknowledged that the lapse was due to a scheduling error. Our firm brought claims for elder abuse and abandonment, medical negligence, breach of contract, and wrongful death, with punitive damages sought for the reckless nature of the conduct.

Dependent Adult Neglect & Wrongful Death - Psychiatric Facility

A young man involuntarily committed to a locked psychiatric facility with documented safety concerns died after staff failed to conduct required 15-minute observation checks for over two hours. Video evidence contradicted the facility's Patient Observation Records, which had been signed, including entries made after the patient's time of death, suggesting deliberate falsification. Our firm brought claims for medical and nursing negligence, dependent adult abuse, falsification of medical records, intentional misrepresentation, and wrongful death, with punitive damages sought against all defendants.

Wrongful Death - Fatal Shooting

A woman was fatally shot at close range by a neighbor who approached her vehicle without provocation. The shooter was arrested and charged with homicide. Our firm alleged that the shooter's mother knew of her daughter's violent history and mental instability and negligently allowed her access to a firearm. We also sought a constructive trust over real property proceeds believed to have been transferred to conceal assets after the shooting. Claims included wrongful death, assault and battery, negligent supervision, and exemplary damages.

Road Rage - Assault, Battery & Motor Vehicle

Three plaintiffs were violently attacked after pulling over to inspect damage caused by a company-owned vehicle that cut them off in traffic. The driver punched two plaintiffs repeatedly, knocking one unconscious twice, and physically restrained a third to prevent her from calling police. One plaintiff required multiple surgeries; all three developed PTSD. Our firm brought claims against both the driver and the corporate vehicle owner for motor vehicle negligence, assault and battery, emotional distress, and negligent entrustment, with punitive damages sought.

Aviation Accident - Personal Injury & PTSD

A client survived a small plane crash caused by complete engine failure and was subsequently diagnosed with PTSD, requiring specialized therapy that consisted of psychotherapy and supportive care. Following the crash, a third party sent a private investigator to the client's home and pressured her to sign a liability release, which she declined. Our firm established liability under both general negligence and Res Ipsa Loquitur, and submitted a demand exceeding $400,000, well beyond the defendant's insurance policy limits, for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life.

Skilled Nursing Facility Neglect - Elder Death (San Mateo County)

Our client's elderly husband was admitted to two skilled nursing facilities for post-surgical rehabilitation following a serious spinal condition and cancer diagnosis. During his first placement, he was left unattended and suffered a catastrophic fall in the bathroom, sustaining a traumatic brain injury that required emergency brain surgery. After transfer to a second facility for continued recovery, staff failed to reposition him regularly, resulting in pressure ulcers, a recognized "never event" in professional healthcare settings. He was routinely left in soiled linens, denied adequate nourishment, and his surgical wound became severely infected. He passed away weeks later. The facility's corporate management had a documented history of staffing deficiencies and regulatory citations from the California Department of Public Health, yet failed to correct systemic understaffing before our client's admission. Claims include negligence, elder abuse and neglect, elder abandonment, wrongful death, and medical and corporate negligence.

Skilled Nursing Facility Neglect - Elder Death (San Mateo County)

Our clients lost their family member, a 79-year-old man who had been admitted to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation following multiple neck fractures. He also had a surgically implanted cardiac assist device requiring specialized daily care. The facility represented to the family that its staff was trained and equipped to manage this device. In reality, staff had no established protocol for proper device maintenance. Within days of admission, the device's exit site had not been cleaned at all; when staff attempted cleaning, they used incorrect techniques and materials. Despite explicit medical directives from the referring hospital, the facility failed to apply prescribed wound care, monitor the worsening infection, or alert the family and treating physicians. The attending physician made identical chart entries for thirteen consecutive days without conducting actual physical examinations, a pattern that concealed the rapid progression of a life-threatening infection. Pressure ulcers were also discovered after transfer, confirming the patient had not been repositioned throughout his stay. He died of sepsis. Claims include negligence, elder abuse and neglect, elder abandonment, negligent hiring and retention, wrongful death, and medical and corporate negligence.

Skilled Nursing Facility Neglect - Non-Death Elder Abuse (San Bernardino County)

Our client, a resident of a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, suffered repeated and ongoing neglect during her stay. She was denied adequate hygiene and assistance with basic activities of daily living for extended periods. On one occasion, facility staff discovered maggots in her toe, a finding documented on video, resulting from prolonged wound neglect. Following this incident, she alleges she was not showered for approximately three months. Additionally, her care plan required two staff members to assist with repositioning due to her medical needs. Despite this documented requirement, a single staff member attempted to change her unassisted, causing her to fall from the bed. She was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The conduct reflects a pattern of custodial neglect that continued even after documented incidents. Claims include negligence, elder abuse and neglect, and elder abandonment.

Motor Vehicle Negligence / Wrongful Death - Commercial Truck (Sonoma County)

Our clients lost their family member when an intoxicated commercial truck driver ran a red light at highway speed and struck the decedent's vehicle as he was making a lawful left turn. The driver was employed by a tree services company and was operating a commercial truck and trailer weighing over 35,000 pounds at the time of the crash. The employing company had prior knowledge of the driver's history of driving under the influence, yet failed to conduct required background checks, implement a driver safety policy, or test the driver for drugs or alcohol before entrusting him with the vehicle. The driver was subsequently found to have been driving under the influence in violation of California Vehicle Code and Penal Code provisions. Claims include motor vehicle negligence, general negligence/wrongful death, negligent entrustment, negligent hiring and retention, and a claim for exemplary/punitive damages based on the driver's conscious disregard for human life.

Motor Vehicle Negligence / Personal Injury - Bicycle Collision (San Francisco County)

Our client, a cyclist, was lawfully traveling in a designated bicycle lane when a vehicle made an unsafe right turn directly into his path, striking him without warning. The driver failed to yield and made an unsafe lane change in violation of California Vehicle Code section 22107. The vehicle's owner, who had permitted an incompetent driver to operate the vehicle, is also named as a defendant on a negligent entrustment theory. Our client sustained serious injuries including severe lower back and neck pain, hand injuries, and a concussion. Claims include motor vehicle negligence, general negligence, and negligent entrustment.

Premises Liability / Slip and Fall

Our client was injured after slipping on a food spill left unattended on the floor of a major grocery store, with no warning signs posted to alert customers of the hazard. The fall caused our client to suffer a left knee laceration, back injury, and hip pain, ultimately requiring emergency room treatment, X-rays, multiple physician visits, prescription pain management, and months of physical therapy. Our client, who led an active lifestyle prior to the incident, experienced significant disruption to daily activities, sleep, and ability to work. We pursued a claim against the store's insurer on the basis of premises liability, duty to warn, and negligence per se under California Civil Code Section 1714, arguing the property owner failed to maintain safe conditions for customers. The matter resulted in a demand for both special and general damages, including past and future medical costs and compensation for pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life.

Wrongful Death and Systemic Neglect of a Post-Surgical Dependent Adult

A dependent adult in her mid-50s was admitted to a skilled nursing facility following brain surgery, with documented complex medical needs including diabetes, seizure disorder, and post-surgical wound care. The facility allegedly failed her on multiple fronts over the course of her 31-day stay, including routine failure to administer prescribed medications, falsification of medical records, failure to monitor vital signs and blood glucose levels, neglect of wound care orders, and failure to track fluid intake and output. The patient developed severe dehydration that went unaddressed despite warning signs, and died after staff delayed acting on a physician's urgent lab order by more than six hours. The complaint alleges dependent adult abuse and neglect, negligence, financial abuse through improper Medicare/Medi-Cal billing, violation of resident rights, and wrongful death.

Motor Vehicle Accident / Personal Injury

Our client was lawfully traveling on a California state highway when another driver executed an unsafe lane change, striking our client's vehicle at highway speed and causing it to flip and overturn. Our client was forced to crawl out of the overturned vehicle and was transported to an emergency room for immediate evaluation. Following the collision, our client suffered persistent headaches, cognitive difficulties, and post-concussive syndrome requiring months of follow-up care, including multiple advanced brain imaging studies that revealed abnormal findings requiring ongoing neurological monitoring. Liability was well-supported by the responding law enforcement agency's official report, which cited the at-fault driver for an unsafe lane change in violation of California Vehicle Code. Our firm pursued a demand against the at-fault driver's insurer for both past and future medical expenses and general damages for pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life. The total demand issued was $151,394.24.

Common Carrier Negligence & Wrongful Death

This complex wrongful death litigation involves a catastrophic incident where a public transit passenger suffered fatal injuries due to a common carrier’s failure to provide safe passage and maintain its equipment. Representing the decedent's successor in interest, our firm filed a Third Amended Complaint alleging that the public transportation agency breached its heightened duty of care by providing unsafe transit conditions and failing to adhere to essential safety protocols. Our legal strategy focuses on securing accountability through both a survival action and a wrongful death claim, aggressively pursuing general and economic damages, including funeral expenses and the loss of financial support and companionship, to address the systemic safety failures of the public entity and secure justice for the decedent’s family.

DUI-Related Rear-End Collision

In this matter involving a high-speed rear-end collision caused by a driver operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, our firm represents the struck motorist in seeking justice for severe physical and psychological harm. We issued a comprehensive settlement demand that highlights the defendant's egregious violation of multiple traffic safety laws, including speeding and following too closely while impaired. By meticulously documenting our client’s medical journey, ranging from emergency intervention to specialized pain management for spinal and nerve trauma, we are demanding a recovery that acknowledges the indisputable liability of the intoxicated driver and the substantial physical and emotional toll the incident has taken on our client.

Multi-Plaintiff Family Injury & Emotional Distress

Our firm represents a family of four in a multi-plaintiff claim arising from a violent rear-end collision that occurred while the family was lawfully stopped at a traffic light. The impact resulted in physical injuries to all four family members, including minor children, and prompted significant claims for the negligent infliction of emotional distress. We initiated a strategic, global settlement demand that addresses the unique damages suffered by each family member, emphasizing the defendant’s clear breach of the duty of care. By consolidating medical records and documenting the psychological impact on the children, our firm is advocating for a comprehensive resolution that covers both immediate medical needs and the long-term emotional recovery of the entire family unit.

Commercial Vehicle Liability & Negligence Per Se

This case involves a T-bone collision where a large commercial construction vehicle negligently reversed into the flow of traffic, causing severe spinal injuries to our client, a commuting motorist. Our firm is pursuing a claim based on negligence per se, arguing that the commercial operator’s failure to maintain a proper lookout and adhere to professional safety protocols constituted an inherent breach of duty. We are aggressively targeting the commercial insurance policy to secure maximum recovery for our client’s specialized medical care and diagnostic imaging costs, highlighting the heightened responsibility of commercial entities when operating heavy equipment on public roadways and the devastating impact such negligence has on private motorists.

Surgical Medical Malpractice & Recovery

In a significant medical malpractice matter, our firm represents a surgical patient who sustained second- and third-degree thermal burns during a routine surgical biopsy. The injuries occurred because a surgical instrument was not properly cooled following sterilization in an autoclave, a clear breach of the standard of professional care. Although the facility initially admitted fault, they failed to provide adequate compensation, prompting our firm to step in and document the extensive wound care and professional time missed by our client. We are focused on securing a settlement that fully accounts for the client’s physical pain, the nearly year-long healing process, and the significant impact this preventable surgical error had on their personal well-being and retirement planning.

What Our
Clients Say

"Results That Matter""Responsive & Reliable""Clear Communication""Strong Legal Representation""Exceeded Expectations"

Relentless Advocacy in Complex Cases

They took on a difficult case involving a large commercial vehicle and fought tirelessly for our family. Their dedication led to a life-changing settlement.

Family of Wrongful Death Victim

Commercial Truck Case

Holding Care Facilities Accountable

Our loved one suffered serious harm due to negligence in a nursing facility. The team uncovered the truth and secured a meaningful recovery for our family.

Family Member

Elder Abuse Case

Standing Up to Major Medical Providers

They refused to back down, even when the provider denied responsibility. Their persistence resulted in a successful outcome when we needed it most.

Injury Client

Medical Malpractice Case

After a car accident, one of the main concerns people have is whether their claim will end up in court. Trials can feel intimidating, time-consuming and uncertain, especially when you are already dealing with the injuries, medical bills and time away from work. Fortunately, most car accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations. Courtroom trials

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Tell Us What Happened

Bring us what you have — records, photographs, the name of the facility, or nothing at all but the sequence of events as you remember it. The consultation is free, and there is no fee unless we recover.

Custody Is a Promise. We Enforce It.

The Cases Other Firms Send Back.

Personal Injury

Auto Accidents

Elder Abuse

Wrongful Death

Bicycle Accidents

Truck Accidents

Standing the Watch

What We Found

Elder Abandonment & Wrongful Death - Home Care Negligence

Dependent Adult Neglect & Wrongful Death - Psychiatric Facility

Wrongful Death - Fatal Shooting

Road Rage - Assault, Battery & Motor Vehicle

Aviation Accident - Personal Injury & PTSD

Skilled Nursing Facility Neglect - Elder Death (San Mateo County)

Skilled Nursing Facility Neglect - Elder Death (San Mateo County)

Skilled Nursing Facility Neglect - Non-Death Elder Abuse (San Bernardino County)

Motor Vehicle Negligence / Wrongful Death - Commercial Truck (Sonoma County)

Motor Vehicle Negligence / Personal Injury - Bicycle Collision (San Francisco County)

Premises Liability / Slip and Fall

Wrongful Death and Systemic Neglect of a Post-Surgical Dependent Adult

Motor Vehicle Accident / Personal Injury

Common Carrier Negligence & Wrongful Death

DUI-Related Rear-End Collision

Multi-Plaintiff Family Injury & Emotional Distress

Commercial Vehicle Liability & Negligence Per Se

Surgical Medical Malpractice & Recovery

What Our Clients Say

Relentless Advocacy in Complex Cases

Family of Wrongful Death Victim

Holding Care Facilities Accountable

Family Member

Standing Up to Major Medical Providers

Injury Client

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Tell Us What Happened

What Our
Clients Say