Claggett & Sykes Makes Top 100 Verdicts for 2023 on Law.com

Claggett & Sykes is pleased to announce that one of our verdicts from 2023 landed in 12th place on the list of VerdictSearch’s Top 100 Verdicts of the year. The record-breaking case was hard-fought by our trial team, and we’re proud of this achievement and the work we do every day to fight for victims of abuse.  

About the verdict 

Abuse allegations against Clarence Garcia, who was a foster parent, were about a year old when the organization Familyworks chose to place a then-eight-year-old girl in his care. The victim was one of several children who suffered abuse in Mr. Garcia’s home. He eventually pled guilty to seven counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor.  

Claggett & Sykes represented the victim in her case against Familyworks, its parent company, Acadia Healthcare, Inc., and Desert Hills, which was also owned by Acadia. Acadia has hundreds of residential homes across the US. The claim ultimately secured a $485,000,000 verdict against Acadia, FamilyWorks, Desert Hills, and Mr. Garcia. The award included $80 million in compensatory damages along with punitive damages in the amounts of:  

• $250 million against Acadia 

• $75 million against Desert Hills 

• $75 million against Familyworks 

• $5 million against Garcia 

The results of the trial are a win for victims of sexual abuse everywhere. We hope that it also sends a message to the organizations that put vulnerable children like our client into dangerous situations out of negligence, carelessness, or a complete disregard for those in their care.  

Earning a top verdict 

VerdictSearch is a resource that legal professionals use to research jury verdicts and settlements from courts nationwide. The tool tracks trends in verdicts that can be helpful in predicting outcomes in future cases. Earning a spot on the list of top verdicts means that Claggett & Sykes is contributing to trends that allow victims of abuse to recover for the harms done to them, while also holding the people and institutions that put them at risk responsible for their actions.  

This recognition is a great reminder to our team at Claggett & Sykes of everything we can achieve for our clients through hard work and fearless advocacy.  

To learn more about the important work we’re doing or to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, contact us today by calling our Las Vegas offices or filling out our contact form. We maintain an additional office in Reno and serve all of Nevada.