Maria Perez v. Joe Tadlock Auctioneer

Case Synopsis

Ms. Perez was seriously injured while attending an auction in Commerce, California, hoping to buy a refrigerator for her catering business. As she waited, a large cabinet fell from behind and struck her on the head, knocking her into a row of washer and dryer units and pinning her in place. Bystanders rushed to help, but the damage had been done. She suffered a traumatic brain injury and significant injuries to her neck and back, eventually requiring spinal surgery. Despite extensive medical treatment, she continued to experience severe pain and was expected to need a second back surgery. The injuries took her away from the work she loved and limited her ability to spend time with her family, including her newborn grandson. At trial, Arias Sanguinetti secured a $1.16 million verdict on her behalf—recognition of the long-term impact this incident had on her life and a step toward restoring her stability and dignity.