Morgan & Morgan Wins $1.3 Million Verdict for Injured San Diego Shopping Center Employee

[San Diego, CA] – A San Diego County jury has awarded Maria Teresa Sanchez Bello a $1,348,546 verdict for injuries she suffered in 2022 while she was performing her job as a sanitation worker for the stores at a shopping center on Mira Mesa Boulevard, including the El Pollo Loco restaurant where she was injured. She was represented by Morgan & Morgan attorneys Tyler Kobylinski, Derrick Connell, Katherine Smith and Adam Phillips.

On September 7, 2022, Ms. Bello, 69, was performing her duties at the El Pollo Loco restaurant within the shopping center that she worked for, when a protruding bolt in the ground that had been used to anchor garbage cans caused her to fall. She suffered a severe injury to her hand, which required surgery and continues to interfere with her life years later. Due to her injury, Ms. Bello has not been able to return to work since the incident. During the trial, the defense repeatedly blamed Ms. Bello for the fall, refusing to acknowledge the restaurant’s negligence in leaving the open bolts and sharp rusted metal uncovered.

“Prior to her fall, Ms. Bello was a diligent and hardworking person who had held manual labor jobs for decades. She loved cooking for her fellow employees and enjoyed working and being able to provide for her family,” said Morgan & Morgan attorney Tyler Kobylinski. “Because of El Pollo Loco’s negligence, she sustained an injury that may prevent her from ever returning to her job. During the trial, the defense blamed her repeatedly for her fall. We’re glad the jury saw this injustice and awarded Ms. Bello the compensation she rightly deserves.”

The case was No. 37-2023-00008136-CU-PO-CTL in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of San Diego. The defense was represented by Heywood Friedman of Friedman + Bartoumian.

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