Our Verdict
Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger is the go-to firm when the stakes are highest. Since 1959, this San Francisco institution has built an extraordinary record of seven- and eight-figure verdicts in catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice cases. If you've been seriously hurt — a traumatic brain injury, paralysis, the loss of a loved one — this is a firm that won't flinch from the complexity or the fight. They work exclusively on plaintiff cases, meaning their entire practice is designed around getting injured people maximum compensation. The contingency fee structure means you pay nothing unless they win.
Practice Areas
What This Firm Handles
Catastrophic Personal Injury
Wrongful Death
Medical Malpractice
Defective Medical Devices
Defective Products
Car & Motorcycle Accidents
Truck Accidents
Public Transit Injuries
Workers' Compensation
Key Attorneys
The Attorneys
Matthew D. Davis
Senior Partner
Catastrophic Injury & Wrongful Death
Khaldoun Baghdadi
Partner
Medical Malpractice & Product Liability
Andrew McDevitt
Senior Associate
Auto & Motorcycle Accidents
Client Reviews
What Clients Say
★★★★★
"After losing my wife in a truck accident, I didn't know where to turn. This firm took our case and fought relentlessly for two years. The result exceeded anything I thought possible. They treated our family with genuine compassion throughout."
★★★★★
"A surgical error left me permanently disabled. Walkup Melodia got our case to trial when other firms had given up. The attorneys here are in a different league — they know how to win complex cases and they genuinely care about their clients."
★★★★★
"A defective medical device nearly cost me my life. The team at Walkup Melodia took on a major corporation and won a substantial settlement. I was kept informed every step of the way and never felt like just another case number."
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No fees unless we win. Tell us what happened and a member of the team will respond within one business day.
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FAQ
Common Questions About This Firm
How does the contingency fee work?
You pay nothing up front and nothing out of pocket during the case. If the firm wins — through settlement or verdict — they receive a percentage of the recovery (typically 33% for settlements, 40% for cases that go to trial). If they don't recover anything, you owe nothing. All case expenses are advanced by the firm.
What types of personal injury cases does this firm take?
The firm focuses on serious and catastrophic injuries — cases with significant damages such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, permanent disability, wrongful death, and medical malpractice. They handle auto, truck, and motorcycle accidents, defective medical devices and products, and public transit injuries throughout California.
How long has this firm been in business?
Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger was founded in 1959 — making it one of the longest-running plaintiff personal injury firms in California. For more than 65 years the firm has represented injured people and their families against insurance companies, corporations, and government agencies.
What is the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in California?
Generally two years from the date of injury for most personal injury and wrongful death cases in California. Medical malpractice has a three-year limit from injury or one year from discovery. Claims against government entities require a government tort claim within six months. Time limits vary — consult an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
Does the firm handle cases outside of San Francisco?
Yes. The firm practices throughout California and has handled cases across the state and in federal courts nationwide. They take cases wherever the facts are strong and the damages are substantial.
Helpful Resources & Related Pages
Quick Facts
Founded1959
Firm SizeMid · 15–25 attorneys
Practice FocusPlaintiff Injury Only
Fee StructureContingency (no win, no fee)
Free ConsultationYes
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Virtual AvailableYes
Typical Case Value$500K–$10M+
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Office
San Francisco: 650 California St, 26th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 212-4350
Recognition
- ✓ Best Lawyers in America
- ✓ Super Lawyers — Top 100 Northern CA
- ✓ Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
- ✓ National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- ✓ Seven & eight-figure verdict record