(San Antonio) — A former Seguin ISD employee and his family have been awarded a staggering $831 million verdict by a San Antonio jury — the largest such award in the city’s history following a devastating 2021 crash caused by a drunk driver.
Blas Mendez Jr., who was a beloved behavior specialist with Seguin Independent School District’s special education department, was left permanently disabled after a motorcycle crash in the early morning hours of July 25, 2021.
At the time, Mendez had worked for the district for more than 21 years, devoting his career to serving students with special needs.
Mendez, then 51, was riding his dream motorcycle — a 2018 Harley-Davidson just two miles from his San Marcos home when he struck debris left on the road from a recent crash. The debris had come from a vehicle wreck caused by 18-year-old Carlos Alexander “Alex” Portillo Jr. of San Antonio, who had been driving under the influence. Portillo’s blood alcohol level was 0.23 percent, nearly three times the legal limit.
The impact of Mendez’s crash was catastrophic. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures, and paralysis on his right side. Now 55, Mendez uses a wheelchair, struggles to speak due to expressive aphasia, and requires constant care from his wife, Letty Mendez, and their three children.
The recent civil trial found that Koozies Icehouse & Grill, a now-closed New Braunfels bar, and its owner were liable for overserving alcohol to Portillo before the crash. Under Texas’ Dram Shop Act, businesses can be held accountable for serving alcohol to obviously intoxicated individuals who then cause harm.
Despite the historic verdict, Letty Mendez said the award offers little comfort, adding that it does not change anything and won’t undo the suffering her family has endured.
Portillo, who was charged with intoxication assault, received a 10-year suspended sentence and was ordered to complete community service. He has spent about 34 days in jail over multiple stints.
According to reports, the family is not likely to see most, if any, of the $831 million, as the bar has since shuttered and may not have the financial means or insurance coverage to pay.