Baltimore Jury Awards Over $1.2 Million to Saiontz & Kirk Clients Injured in Forklift Accident
Saiontz & Kirk is proud to announce that our Senior Litigator E. Steven Nichols has secured a jury verdict of $1,227,258.30, on behalf of two clients injured in a serious workplace accident.
After a three-day trial in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, a jury awarded the seven-figure verdict to two HVAC technicians represented by Saiontz & Kirk, who fell approximately 20 feet when a wooden box used to lift them to a rooftop by forklift suddenly collapsed.
Maryland Forklift Fall Accident Case
The incident occurred on June 2, 2020, when the plaintiffs were dispatched to Caribbean Crescent’s DeSoto Road facility to repair a rooftop refrigeration unit. Upon arrival, they found no safe access to the roof.
Employees of Caribbean Crescent instructed them to use a wooden box attached to a forklift to reach the elevated work area, assuring the technicians that this lift method was safe and that it had been “regularly used by other technicians” .
After completing the repair, the plaintiffs re-entered the box, which split apart mid-air and collapsed. Both men fell approximately 20 feet, suffering serious and life-altering injuries.
The Verdict
After deliberation, the jury found Caribbean Crescent negligent and awarded :
- Client 1: $577,497.60
- Client 2: $649,760.70
- Total Award: $1,227,258.30
The jury rejected the defendants’ primary defense of assumption of risk, which alleged that the plaintiffs knowingly accepted a dangerous method of access. Instead, the jury found that Caribbean Crescent created and controlled the unsafe conditions and that the plaintiffs reasonably relied on the company’s assurances.
A Significant Victory for Worker Safety
This verdict underscores the responsibility of property owners and businesses to provide safe access methods for contractors and service technicians. The plaintiffs were placed in a position where Caribbean Crescent employees directed them to use a defective system, with no reasonable alternative for safe roof access.
Nichols’ preparation, including extensive review of engineering reports, deposition testimony, safety regulations, and trial strategy, was instrumental in defeating the assumption-of-risk defense and securing a seven-figure award for the plaintiffs.
While the defendants have filed an appeal, Saiontz & Kirk remains confident that the verdict will withstand further review. The firm continues to represent the plaintiffs in all post-trial and appellate proceedings.
E. Steven Nichols, Esq.
“This case highlights the critical importance of workplace safety standards. Our clients were simply following instructions and relying on assurances that the method was safe. The jury’s verdict sends a clear message that companies can not expose workers to avoidable hazards without accountability.”
Trusted Representation for Workplace Injuries and Serious Accidents
At Saiontz & Kirk, our attorneys have represented injury victims for more than 50 years, recovering over $1.3 billion in settlements for clients nationwide. Our personal injury lawyers have the experience and resources to represent individuals across a wide range of personal injury matters, including:
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Worker Injuries
- Slip and Fall Injuries
- Dog Bite Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Nursing Home Neglect
- Medical Malpractice
- Wrongful Death
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact our injury law firm today to request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
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