Leonard S. Slavit | September 20, 2024
Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) is set to pay $160 million in damages after a truck accident left a driver with severe long-term injuries, which a jury ruled was the result of DTNA’s negligence. According to the lawsuit, the truck had a defective driver’s seat and cab that increased the severity of the injuries the plaintiff received in a rollover accident. Daimler is expected to appeal the ruling to reverse or reduce the jury award.
What Happened in This Case?
The plaintiff was a truck driver who was operating a 2023 Western Star truck on Highway 84 near Grove Hill, Alabama. However, he was suddenly forced off the road by a pickup truck, which caused his vehicle to suffer a rollover. As a result, he suffered severe injuries to his neck and spine, leaving him an incomplete quadriplegic, and now requires long-term care for his various medical needs.
What Was the Legal Issue Being Decided?
The lawsuit focused on the design of the truck’s cab and driver’s seat, which had retained essentially the same design since the 1990s. According to the plaintiff, the design did not contain modern safety features intended to protect the driver in the event of a rollover, which are considered optional by DTNA. Had they been present, he might have suffered far less severe injuries than he actually experienced.
What Did the Jury Rule?
The jury ruled in favor of the plaintiff, granting a $160 million award to him and his family. Of this, $75 million goes directly to the plaintiff, while $10 million goes to his wife, who acts as his primary caregiver. In addition, the jury awarded $75 million in punitive damages against Daimler for the defective seat and cab design.
Why Does This Matter?
This is an important case because it shows what happens when major manufacturers fail to take safety seriously. By making these critical safety features optional, lives are potentially ruined by otherwise preventable injuries. Lawsuits like these are meant to not only make victims of negligence whole, but also to encourage manufacturers to make their products safer for the average consumer.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, seeking the advice from an attorney experienced in personal injury law will help assure you get the compensation you deserve. The lawyers at Levine and Slavit, PLLC assist clients in New York City and Long Island in obtaining the damages they need to cope with being the victim of negligence. For more information or to schedule a consultation with our New York personal injury lawyers, call (888) LAW-8088 or fill out our contact form.