Santa Fe, NM – A Santa Fe district court judge has upheld a substantial $31 million jury verdict against Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen following a lawsuit filed by a woman who suffered severe injuries in the restaurant’s parking lot. The restaurant, a part of the local Santa Fe Dining Inc. group, faced claims from attorneys for a reduction of the award or a new trial, which were denied.
The jury previously awarded Megan Jade Gonzalez $10 million in compensatory damages and an additional $21 million in punitive damages in April, after finding the restaurant liable for her injuries. Gonzalez sustained a serious spinal cord injury after slipping in a pothole, a condition that her legal representatives assert will affect her for the remainder of her life.
During the proceedings, State District Judge Bryan Biedscheid noted his initial surprise at the magnitude of the punitive damages. However, he affirmed the jury’s decision, stating that after observing their deliberative process during the four-day trial, it was evident they made a well-considered decision based on the evidence presented.
Attorneys for the defense, Timothy Atler and Jeffry Ray, argued that the punitive damages were excessively influenced by local sentiments towards Gerald Peters, a prominent figure in the local art and real estate scene and a major owner of the dining group. They suggested that the jury’s feelings about Peters might have swayed their decision.
The defense also questioned the sufficiency of the evidence, particularly asserting that there was minimal proof linking prior injuries directly to the mentioned pothole. In contrast, Gonzalez’s attorney, Leon Hunt, defended the jury’s judgment, noting that the punitive damages were slightly more than double the compensatory amount, which aligned with what was sought after a thoughtful consideration.
Hunt further argued that there was no substantial proof that the jury’s decision was marred by prejudice, passion, or any improper motives. He insisted that overturning a jury’s verdict should be reserved for exceptionally egregious cases, which he believed this was not. After the decision to uphold the verdict, Ray expressed disappointment but indicated that the next steps would involve preparing for an appeal.
An interesting aspect of the case that Hunt highlighted was the pre-existing knowledge of the hazardous pothole by the restaurant, which had not been repaired for a considerable time before and after Gonzalez’s injury. This negligence, according to Hunt, underscored the importance of the jury’s decision as a stance on corporate responsibility and safety.
Further complicating the financial landscape for Santa Fe Dining, several of its restaurants, including Maria’s, faced operational challenges earlier in the year as state liquor licenses expired, leading to temporary closures and financial strife under Peters’ management.
Though the jury’s decision imposes a significant financial burden on the defendants, Hunt clarified that Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen would not directly bear the cost of the compensation. Instead, an insurance company, which had earlier declined a settlement with Gonzalez, will likely be responsible for covering the entire award.
This case highlights the essential duties businesses owe to maintain safe premises for patrons and the repercussions of neglecting such responsibilities. It serves as a critical reminder of the profound impacts judicial decisions can have on business practices, individual lives, and community perceptions of justice.
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