A Proven San Francisco Injury Lawyer
Nelson C. Barry III
When someone places their trust in me, I take that personally. Getting a successful result becomes my first priority.
I personally represent each client by taking on only two to four new clients each year, so that I can devote my 40 years of experience to obtaining a successful outcome in every case. Nothing is handed over to junior associates or paralegals.
I move fast and take control of the litigation from day one, quickly identifying the best strategy, sourcing vital evidence, and going on the offensive to impress the insurance carriers with the merits of our case.
I work on a contingency basis, which gives injured people access to justice regardless of their financial circumstances, and aligns our interests: the better the result for my client, the better for both of us. If you're looking for a personal injury attorney near you who will be devoted to your case, you're in the right place. In 2026 alone, I secured settlements in excess of $3 million for my clients.
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I've spent over 40 years representing people who have been seriously injured through no fault of their own and those who have lost a loved one. I take my work seriously, and strive to do well for my clients and to continually improve my skills.
Outside the office, I care deeply for my family and my city. I’m a fifth-generation San Franciscan, and the president of Urban Angels SF, a nonprofit working to provide educational support to children facing homelessness and poverty, right here in San Francisco.
I have a close relationship with my brothers and sisters, and with my adult son and his family, including my grandson, who is ten. Watching him grow up has been one of the great joys of my life.
I stay active outdoors, and I've spent time over the years working on my spiritual practice and outlook. I read widely, and I travel whenever I can. I've been fortunate to see a great deal of the world, and it's brought me back to the same conclusion every time: San Francisco is one of the best places to live anywhere.
Working with me, you can expect:
Direct access to a senior attorney.
Evidence gathered early.
Visual, concrete advocacy.
Pay nothing unless you win.
Bar Admissions
State Bar of California, admitted 1979
United States District Court, Northern District of California, admitted 1979
Education
UC Law San Francisco (Formerly Hastings College of Law)
Juris Doctor, 1978
University of California, Berkeley
B.A. Economics, 1975
Activities & Affiliations
Consumer Attorneys of California, Sustaining Member
San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, Member
Recipient of Mediator of the Year (1992), by American Arbitration Association
United Nations Association of the United States of America, San Francisco Chapter, Board Member and Chair of Global Goals for Sustainable Development Committee (2012 - 2016)
Pachamama Alliance, Community Group Leader (2010 - 2017)
Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), Community Group Leader (2009-2015)
Urban Angels SF, Founder (in 2015), President (2024 to present), Chairperson of board of directors (2015 to 2022)
Practice Areas
Catastrophic Injuries Caused by the Negligence of Others
A catastrophic injury is one where the person injured suffers a long-term or permanent disability or disfigurement. It also includes cases where the victim is killed. Catastrophic injury cases usually involve long-term hospitalization and or treatment, significant surgeries, disability from work, and, possibly, forced early retirement. Typically medical bills are extremely high and income loss is substantial.
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Being injured in a car, motorcycle or bicycle accident can be painful and emotionally draining. There are key things that can be done that can have long term impacts especially if you may want to make a money claim against the person or company responsible for your injuries. Having a free consultation with an experienced attorney like Nelson Barry as soon as possible after the incident is the best way to determine your rights and to avoid making any mistakes. If your injuries are the fault of someone else, that person is responsible for your medical bills, your income loss and fair compensation for your injuries.
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San Francisco Dog Bite Injury Claims: In California, dog owners are 100% responsible for the injuries caused by their dogs. Of course there may be a deduction if the victim contributed to the attack by taunting the dog. Many types of dogs in California are well known for aggressive tendencies; Pitt Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Mastiffs and German Shepherds to name a few. But the owners of ALL dogs are liable for the injuries their dogs cause. Children, women and elderly people are most at risk. Due to the popularity of owing a dog, dog attack cases and the number of serious injuries and deaths caused by dogs, is on the rise. In these cases it is smart to have a free consultation with an experienced attorney like Nelson Barry as soon as possible after the incident to determine your rights and to avoid making any mistakes.
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San Francisco Slip and Fall Injuries: When someone is injured because they slipped, tripped or fell due to defects or tripping hazards in sidewalks, in parking lots, in commercial buildings and stores and even government buildings, they may be entitled to money compensation for their medical bills, income loss and for the injuries to their body. The key to success is to prove the injuries were due to negligence of the property owner or person in charge of the property. The insurance companies for the property owners often deny these claims or try to settle for as little as possible. They are also not above trying to take advantage of claimants in various ways so getting a free consultation with a legal expert like Nelson Barry means being prepared.
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When someone is injured or killed on the property of another that is due to the negligence of the property owner or manager, the injured person may have a claim based on premise liability. Most property owners have homeowner’s insurance, business insurance or renter’s insurance that provides compensation for medical bills, income loss, the reasonable value of their injuries and for wrongful death. Historically in premise liability cases, the defendant’s fight these claims vigorously by challenging liability and damages. Often the case turns on whether the evidence has been preserved from the time of the incident through photos, videos, and eye witness statements. Consulting an experienced attorney such as Nelson Barry, right away may greatly strengthen the case on behalf of the claimant.
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Many residential and commercial buildings have mold which can be harmful to humans depending on the type of mold and the length of time the person is exposed to it. Common effects include chronic respiratory irritation, such as airway inflammation, wheezing, chest tightness and severe asthma attacks, especially in children. It is important that professional testing be done on the mold as soon as possible to determine if is the cause of the injuries. Attorneys, such as Nelson Barry, who regularly represent clients in mold exposure cases know which experts are the best and will pay for them to do the investigation.
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Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma Claims: Serious illness and death are common for men and women who were exposed to asbestos and in many cases, it is possible to get money compensation for medical bills, income loss and the value of the injury or for the death of a family member. So in these cases it is smart to have a free consultation with an experienced attorney like Nelson Barry as soon as possible after it is discovered that someone has an illness or died as the result of exposure to asbestos. Mr. Barry and the lawyers he associates with have recovered millions of dollars for victims of asbestos exposure.
Selected Results: 2025 - 2026
Slip and Fall settlement:
A middle-aged woman slipped and fell on a metal vault cover in the sidewalk, fracturing her ankle and requiring a second surgery. The case settled for $850,000.
t-bone collision settlement at policy limits:
A modest T-bone collision left a client with a fractured metatarsal bone that did not require surgery. A resulting loss of balance led to a fall at home and a non-displaced fracture of a cervical vertebra, also treated without surgery. The case settled for policy limits of $500,000.
$2 million Dog Bite Settlement:
A client suffered a dog bite to the face. The healing was so complete that the scarring is now hard to see. The case settled for policy limits of $2 million.
vehicle collision settlement:
An elderly client with a history of knee problems was side-swiped in a vehicle collision, aggravating his preexisting knee pain. With limited treatment required, the case settled for policy limits of $250,000.
Client Testimonials
Our former clients recommend us to their friends, family, and co-workers when they need a top-notch personal injury attorney to represent them. It is their referrals that connect us with the majority of our new clients. Here’s what our past clients have to say:
“I recommend the legal services of Nelson Barry to my family, friends, and anyone who wants an exceptional advocate.”
Let’s work together.
Reach out today for a free, unhurried consultation.