$1.95M verdict for delivery driver hurt when a loose loading ramp slid out from under him
The store's back-door ramps were set out loose for each delivery instead of being anchored in place.
Amount awarded by the jury $1,954,024 Mobile County Circuit Court · March 15, 2023 · Mobile County, Alabama
A Mobile County jury awarded $1,954,024 to a delivery driver who was hurt when a loading ramp at the back of a discount variety store slipped out of place.
The driver’s only job was delivering to stores in the chain, and this store was on his regular route. In April 2019, store employees set two detachable ramps at the rear entrance so he could roll carts of merchandise inside. After several trips his cart, loaded with cases of water, stuck on the second ramp. He braced his foot on the edge of the first ramp to push, and the first ramp gave way. He fell and suffered a torn rotator cuff and a broken toe.
He sued the store’s owner and operator and several employees. The employees were dismissed, and the court granted summary judgment on wantonness, so the case went to trial on negligence alone. His engineering expert testified that the ramps should have been permanently anchored instead of left loose.
The jury returned its verdict on March 15, 2023.
Or call (205) 999-4884
Contacting the publisher does not create an agent or advisory relationship, and no coverage is bound or changed until confirmed in writing.
Not legal advice. Southeast Verdicts reports public court outcomes and news coverage. Parties are anonymized. Amounts are as reported at the time of the verdict or settlement and may have been reduced, appealed or not collected.
Get the next verdict in your inbox.
Joins The Rate Read. Free.