Fatal tractor trailer crash results in $280M jury award

On Behalf of | Sep 4, 2019 | Truck accidents

A Georgia jury awarded $280 million to the surviving husband of a 58-year-old woman killed in a crash involving a tractor trailer. The verdict is one of the largest for a wrongful death claim in the Peach State, as reported by the CBS-affiliated television station WRBL. In cases in which a semi-truck company is involved the wrongful death of a loved one, Murphy & Garner, LLC understands the need for an aggressive and experienced approach to seeking justice for the deceased’s grieving family.

While traveling on U.S. Highway 80 with two other adults and two children as passengers, the widower’s SUV collided head-on with the oncoming tractor trailer. According to the testimony provided to the court, the truck crossed the highway’s center line and hit the SUV. The driver of the tractor trailer was on a run for a Georgia steel company at the time and claimed that he did not fall asleep at the wheel.

After deliberations, the Georgia jury decided on a split verdict to award the surviving husband compensation for the loss of his wife. Under the first phase of the verdict, the widower received $150 million for his wife’s wrongful death by the driver of the tractor trailer. This phase also included an additional $30 million award for his pain and suffering. The second phase of the verdict resulted in the victim’s family receiving $100 million in punitive damages, which serves as a form of punishment against the company. The widower’s attorney fees were also ordered to be paid by the steel company employing the tractor trailer driver.

Our page on truck accidents provides more information regarding your legal rights in seeking justice after a tragic vehicle accident.

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