Verdict Won by McCabe Trial Team Likely Made North Carolina History

After a six-week trial in Henderson County Superior Court, a jury returned what is believed to be the largest personal injury verdict in North Carolina history in the case of Valdez v. Hajoca.

The case arose from the January 13, 2021 collapse of a concrete block retaining wall at a Hajoca plumbing supply store on Spartanburg Highway in Hendersonville. The collapse caused catastrophic and permanent injuries to our clients, Adan Rendon Hernandez and Magno Alberto Valdez Sanchez. Maria Guadalupe Aguillon Guerrero also asserted a claim for loss of consortium based on the impact the injuries had on her marriage and family life.

The jury returned a compensatory damages verdict of $101 million. The case subsequently resolved for a confidential sum while the jury was deliberating punitive damages.

Five And A Half Years Of Litigation

The litigation lasted more than five and a half years and involved heavily contested issues of liability and damages.

Our clients fought through devastating physical injuries, emotional trauma, and life-changing losses. Throughout the case, the defendants and their insurers refused to fully acknowledge the magnitude of the harm suffered by the injured workers and their families.

At the beginning of trial, two coworkers settled their claims. Our clients chose to continue, even though they knew it meant sitting through a lengthy trial and reliving painful events. They placed extraordinary trust in our trial team, and we are deeply grateful for that trust.

What This Verdict Reflects

“This verdict reflects the extraordinary courage of our clients and the commitment of the jury to delivering justice,” said John McCabe, founding attorney of The Law Offices of John M. McCabe, P.A. “Our clients endured devastating physical injuries, emotional trauma, and years of uncertainty, yet they continued to place their trust in the justice system and in our trial team.”

The case involved significant factual disputes and highly contested legal issues. The jury found in favor of the plaintiffs after weeks of evidence regarding the permanent and life-altering consequences of the collapse.

“This case was about accountability, dignity, and the value of human life and human suffering,” McCabe said. “We are profoundly grateful to the jury for the seriousness, thoughtfulness, and dedication they brought to this case during six weeks of service.”

The Trial Team

The trial team included John McCabe, Brian Davis, Beth Davis, Meredith Hinton, Alicia Campbell, and Michelle Clifton.

Meredith Hinton remained an invaluable part of the trial team after her client’s case resolved, sacrificing weeks away from her family and her practice because she cared deeply about our clients. Alicia Campbell traveled from Madrid twice to assist the team, and her guidance and data analytics helped the team navigate critical moments throughout the trial. Michelle Clifton supported the team for more than five years and stood with us every day of trial. Brian Davis and Beth Davis brought decades of trial experience and brilliant judgment to every critical decision.

The Henderson County Jury

The trial team also recognized the Henderson County jury for its attentiveness and dedication throughout the lengthy proceedings.

“This jury took its responsibility incredibly seriously,” McCabe said. “They listened carefully, deliberated thoughtfully, and demonstrated the very best of our civil justice system.”

After the case resolved while the jury was deliberating punitive damages, the jurors stayed behind to speak with the trial team and our clients. It was one of the most meaningful moments of this entire case.

If You Or A Loved One Has Been Seriously Injured

The Law Offices of John M. McCabe, P.A. has represented injured workers and accident victims across North Carolina since 1994. If you or someone you love has been seriously hurt because of another party’s failure to follow safety rules or take responsibility for unsafe conditions, call our personal injury attorneys at (919) 833-3370 for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.