A Henderson County, North Carolina jury delivered what attorneys believe is the largest personal injury verdict in state history, awarding $101 million in a lawsuit stemming from a fatal retaining wall collapse at a Hajoca plumbing supply facility in 2021. The case later settled confidentially after the verdict.
The accident occurred when a newly rebuilt section of retaining wall collapsed onto a masonry crew working at the site. One worker died and three others suffered severe injuries after being buried under concrete and dirt. Plaintiffs alleged that Hajoca, property stakeholders, and project supervisors failed to obtain proper engineering oversight, skipped permitting requirements, and allowed dirt to be loaded behind the wall before the concrete had sufficient curing time.
For insurance claims professionals, the case underscores the high severity exposure associated with construction defects, project management failures, and unsafe site conditions. The allegations involving permit violations, lack of engineering review, and premature loading conditions create a roadmap often seen in catastrophic liability claims involving commercial construction projects. Adjusters handling contractor liability, premises liability, and excess exposure files will recognize how documentation gaps and supervisory decisions can significantly increase damages during litigation.
The verdict also illustrates how juries may respond when evidence includes graphic injury details, surveillance footage, and allegations that defendants prioritized cost savings over safety measures. Attorneys representing the workers repeatedly emphasized the long-term physical and emotional impact on the injured workers and their families. Large verdicts tied to construction accidents continue to influence reserve strategies, excess layer evaluations, and settlement timing decisions across the insurance industry.
The case additionally highlights the overlap between OSHA or labor department investigations and subsequent civil litigation. North Carolina labor officials issued citations and fines against multiple parties following the collapse, findings that likely became central evidence during the civil proceedings. Claims professionals managing catastrophic injury files should expect regulatory investigations, engineering analyses, and contractor communications to become key evidence in similar litigation.
