Mario Trevino Mendoza v. Farmer’s Best International L.L.C. and Marco Salinas
Partners Jaime A. Saenz and Alison W. Colvin defended Farmer’s Best International L.L.C. (“Farmer’s Best”) and their employee, Marco Salinas (“Salinas”) in a personal injury lawsuit filed on behalf of Mario Trevino Mendoza in the 430th District Court in Cameron County, Texas. The lawsuit arose from a forklift accident on February 25, 2016 at the Farmer’s Best warehouse in Edinburg, Texas.
Plaintiff sued Farmer’s Best and Salinas for Salinas’ negligent operation of the forklift, including failing to keep a proper lookout and backing unsafely, and for Farmer’s Best’s negligence and gross negligence in entrusting forklifts to Salinas and in retaining Salinas as a forklift operator and floor supervisor. Plaintiff also claimed that Farmer’s Best failed to provide adequate safety training, supervision, equipment, policies and procedures.
The Plaintiff suffered a significant crush injury to his left foot and underwent several surgeries and debridement procedures. Ultimately, the Plaintiff’s left big toe was amputated. The paid past medical expenses exceeded $500,000. The defense of the case focused on the contributory negligence of the Plaintiff in causing the forklift accident. Both Parties retained damages and liability experts. The case was tried for one week beginning on January 16, 2018. The jury returned a verdict in favor of the Plaintiff for $8 Million, with $3.75 Million of that amount in punitive damages. Before the jury verdict, the Parties agreed to a confidential high low settlement agreement.
