California Jury Awards $58M for Brain Damage Suffered in Bar Beating
A California jury unanimously awarded $58M to Antonio Lopez Chaj, after a beating at a bar left him with half of his skull permanently caved in and with brain damage so severe he is unable to speak. The verdict is one of the largest personal injury verdicts in California.
Chaj was attacked at Barra Latina, a bar in Mid-Wilshire in Los Angeles on April 20, 2010, while at the bar with two of his nephews and other family members. One of the nephews got into a dispute with the bartender-manager, who came after him with brass knuckles. A security guard, Emerson Quintanilla, who was working for DGSP Security and Patrol Services, began beating and kicking the members of the group. Chaj was attacked when he attempted to intervene. The security guard brutally beat Chaj with a baton, kicked him in the head multiple times, and smashed his head repeatedly on the pavement. Doctors were able to save Chaj’s life, but the attack left him with part of his skull caved in, with significant brain damage requiring 24-hour nursing care.
Security Company Negligent in Hiring Guard
The unlicensed and untrained security guard as well as the bartender-manager who sparked the attack have since disappeared and cannot be located. The $58 million verdict was awarded against DGSP Security and Patrol Services for negligently hiring Quintanilla without verifying that he had a valid license, training and permit to use a baton.
Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers Protecting Your Rights
For over 60 years, the attorneys at the law firm of Magaña, Cathcart & McCarthy have advocated for the rights of people who have been seriously injured due to the negligence or wrongful conduct of others, including in causing serious injury or death. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a serious injury, contact Magaña, Cathcart & McCarthy today for a complimentary evaluation of your case.
