News & Views

A Denver jury has awarded $145 million to Fermin Salguero-Quijada, a Colorado man who was permanently disabled after falling from a ladder while working as a painter in Utah in 2021.  Mr. Salguero-Quijda was represented in his workers’ compensation case by Gregory Cairns and Adan Cerda from Cerda Legal.  Outraged by the conduct of the workers’ compensation carrier, these attorneys referred the case to bad faith counsel, who eventually secured the $145 million verdict.

🧠 Key Details:

• Incident: Salguero-Quijada, then      20, fell 15 feet and suffered severe brain injuries, requiring life      support and extensive rehabilitation.
• Insurance      Denial:      NorGUARD Insurance, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, delayed and denied his      workers' compensation claim, preventing access to critical care.
• Impact: The delay led to      permanent disability. His family had to provide 24/7 care, including help      with basic functions like walking and eating.
• Legal      Outcome:      Despite court orders, NorGUARD continued to deny payments. The family sued      in 2023, and the jury awarded $145 million, including $60 million in      punitive damages.
• Defense      Response:      NorGUARD claimed it paid $2.1 million and would continue to cover wages      and benefits for life.

You can read the full article on Newsweek’s website. You can also read about this case on Courtroom View Network.

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