Traumatic Brain Injury Verdict

Our client checked into the Marriott as a hotel guest expecting a safe and comfortable stay. What she did not expect was that a metal stud would fall from scaffolding above her, striking her and causing a traumatic brain injury during the hotel’s active renovation.

A mild traumatic brain injury can be deceptive. The word “mild” refers to the severity of the initial injury, not the ongoing impact on a person’s life. Our client’s injury affected her cognitive function, daily activities, and overall quality of life in ways that were real, lasting, and devastating.

What followed was more than five years of litigation. Pursuing justice required navigating complex construction industry defenses, fighting over the science of brain injury, enduring a mistrial, and returning to court for a five-week retrial. Thomas Feher, Esq., Alex Ballard, Esq., and Austin Wallick, Esq. tried the case to verdict, refusing to walk away from what our client deserved.

The jury deliberated and returned a verdict of $20,700,000. The verdict was covered by the San Francisco Chronicle and Yahoo News. This result sends a clear message: protecting the public is not optional. Property owners and construction companies conducting work in active public spaces are required to protect the people around them. When they cut corners, they are held responsible.

If you or a family member suffered a brain injury or serious harm caused by construction negligence or a property owner’s failure to protect guests and visitors, you may have a premises liability claim. Contact Feher Law for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.