#36 (tie) – $1 million « Virginia Lawyers Weekly

#36 (tie) – $1 million

By Sarah Rodriguez
Published: January 28, 2009

Jones v. Big Roc Tool

Type of Case: Wrist crushed by defective jack

Attorneys: Irving M. Blank, D. Wayne O’Bryan, Richmond

Summary: The wrist of a mechanic was crushed at a Hanover County truck stop when a jack failed and a 38,000-pound trailer fell on it. The injury was so severe that amputation was suggested, but plaintiff opted for three surgeries and wrist replacement instead.

The treatment was successful cosmetically, but plaintiff has little effective use of the arm. He incurred $212,000 in medical expenses and $113,000 in lost wages.

The case was complicated by a third-party action by the defendant against the manufacturer of the jack, the bankruptcy of the defendant and a workers’ comp lien.