Court Grants Class Certification in Winston Weaver Fire Case; Gary Jackson of the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin Appointed Co-Lead Counsel

DURHAM, N.C., March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gary Jackson* of the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin has been appointed Co-Lead Class Counsel in the case involving the 2022 fire at Winston Weaver Co.'s fertilizer plant. The Honorable Edwin G. Wilson, Jr., Superior Court Judge, granted Plaintiffs' Motion for Class Certification, marking a significant step toward seeking justice for those affected by the fire and subsequent evacuation.*

"This class certification is a crucial development for the thousands of individuals and businesses impacted by this disaster," said Jackson, who represents the affected residents. "The case stems from what we believe was the negligence of Winston Weaver. We are dedicated to trying to hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure that those affected receive the compensation they may deserve."

Jackson is available for interviews. He brings 45 years of experience in class action matters to the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, one of North Carolina's largest plaintiffs' firms.

On Jan. 31, 2022, the massive fire that broke out at the Winston Weaver fertilizer plant in Winston-Salem quickly spread, due largely to the high quantity of ammonium nitrate—an explosive chemical compound found in fertilizer—stored at the plant.

Early on Feb. 1, 2022, the Winston-Salem fire chief withdrew firefighters from the scene and ordered an emergency evacuation of the 2,500 homes within a 1-mile radius. As a result, nearly 6,500 residents were abruptly displaced in the middle of the night, forced to leave their homes to protect their health and safety.

Allegedly resulting from the Defendant's negligence and regulatory noncompliance, the fire triggered mass evacuations, substantial financial losses, and major disruptions to daily routine. The certified class consists of individuals and businesses that lived, worked, or operated within the 1-mile evacuation zone.

The court's ruling also named Derek H. Potts of The Potts Law Firm, LLP as Co-Lead Class Counsel, who will work alongside his local counsel CR Legal Team and the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin in managing the legal proceedings moving forward.

About the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin

The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is one of the largest personal injury firms in North Carolina and has helped over 73,000 injured people since 1997. Operating from 14 offices in NC and one in SC, many of the firm's 60+ accomplished attorneys are recognized professionals in their fields. The firm focuses on providing quality legal services to as many people as possible in the following practice areas: personal injury, car accidents, workers' compensation, whistleblowing, defective products, eminent domain, mass torts, class actions, and Social Security Disability.

Contact Information:
David Chamberlin
555 S. Mangum Street
Suite 800
Durham, NC 27701
1-866-900-7078
https://www.farrin.com

*Jackson is of counsel. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases because each case is unique and must be evaluated separately.

Attorney Michael Shepherd: 555 South Mangum Street, Suite 800, Durham, North Carolina.

SOURCE Law Offices of James Scott Farrin