Walmart Hit with Shocking $35M Verdict After Jury Rejects Fraud Claims – Former Truck Driver Wins Big

A California jury has awarded over $34 million to former Walmart truck driver Jesus “Jesse” Fonseca, ruling that the retail giant defamed him with false claims of workers’ compensation fraud. The verdict, delivered on November 20, included $25 million in punitive damages and $9.7 million for non-economic losses, such as mental suffering and diminished quality of life. According to Fonseca’s attorneys, the jury determined Walmart falsely accused him of violating its integrity policy under the company’s statement of ethics, contributing to his wrongful termination after 14 years of employment.

Injury and Alleged Retaliation

Fonseca sustained injuries in a 2017 accident when a semi-truck collided with his Walmart vehicle. Following the incident, doctors restricted him from driving commercial vehicles or lifting items over 10 pounds. Despite filing a workers’ compensation claim and adhering to these medical directives, Walmart reportedly failed to accommodate his restrictions, eventually placing him on medical leave. In the lawsuit, Fonseca alleged that Walmart surveilled him and used minor observations—such as bending or driving his vehicle—to falsely accuse him of fraud. He maintained that his restrictions applied only to commercial vehicle operations, not personal activities. “This notion that performing routine daily activities outside work restrictions constitutes fraud is absurd,” the complaint stated.

Walmart Responds to the Verdict

Walmart has labeled the verdict “outrageous” and vowed to contest it, asserting that the jury’s decision does not align with the “uncontested facts” of the case. A company spokesperson confirmed Walmart’s intention to seek all possible legal remedies.

Broader Implications

Fonseca’s lawyer, David deRubertis, argued that the defamation was part of a larger strategy by Walmart to pressure injured employees into returning to work prematurely or risk termination, enabling the company to reduce workers’ compensation costs. This case underscores the potential consequences for companies accused of retaliating against employees who file legitimate claims for workplace injuries.

The jury’s decision sends a strong message about the importance of safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring that corporations cannot use false accusations to sideline injured employees.