Court Grants Certification for Class of Affected Individuals and Entities Following 2022 Fire and Evacuation

FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C., Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Honorable Edwin G. Wilson, Jr., Superior Court Judge, has granted Plaintiffs’ Motion for Class Certification in the case involving the fire at Winston Weaver Co.’s fertilizer plant on January 31, 2022. The lawsuit seeks to represent a class of individuals and entities affected by the evacuation that followed the fire, alleging damages ranging from lost wages and profits to mental anguish.

As part of the court’s order, Derek H. Potts of the Potts Law Firm, LLP has been appointed Co-Lead Class Counsel. Potts will oversee the legal representation of the class in this important case.

“This decision marks a pivotal moment for the victims of this devastating fire. The court’s approval of class certification allows thousands of individuals and entities who suffered significant economic and nuisance- related damages to seek justice together,” said Derek Potts. “I am honored to have been appointed as Co- Lead Class Counsel and look forward to working tirelessly to ensure that the rights of the affected individuals are represented and that the damages caused by the fire are addressed.”

The class is defined to include natural persons and entities that resided, worked, or operated businesses within the one-mile evacuation zone around the Winston Weaver Co. facility on January 31, 2022. The fire, caused by the Defendant’s alleged negligence and failure to comply with regulatory standards, led to widespread evacuations and financial losses, as well as significant inconvenience.

Approximately 6,500 potential class members are expected to be impacted by this case. Under the court’s order, the named Plaintiffs, including Vanda Thomas, Stacy Wharton, Karen Prudencio, Arcola Lewis, and Sherman Transou, will represent the broader class, seeking to recover damages for losses directly caused by the fire and evacuation.

The court’s ruling also appointed Derek H. Potts as Class Co-Administrator, further solidifying his role in managing the legal proceedings moving forward.

This decision ensures that those affected by the fire have a unified approach to seeking compensation for their losses, marking an essential step in the ongoing fight for justice.

For more information or to find out if you qualify as a class member, please visit potts-law.com or contact the Potts Law Firm at (713) 963-8881.

About Potts Law Firm
Potts Law Firm is a nationwide law firm dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to individuals and businesses facing complex legal challenges. With expertise spanning personal injury, mass torts, business litigation, and employment law, Potts Law Firm delivers results-driven solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. The firm takes a collaborative approach, leveraging its deep bench of skilled attorneys and professionals across diverse practice areas to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Headquartered in Texas, Potts Law Firm has offices across the country, including Arkansas, Missouri, New Mexico, and Louisiana. Learn more at www.potts-law.com.

SOURCE Potts Law Firm