An Iberville Parish jury recently awarded Logan Milstead a $37.1 million verdict due to injuries sustained in a work accident that occurred on December 13, 2013. Mr. Milstead worked as a dockman who tested chemicals from a floating dock owned by Total Petrochemicals and Refining.  The accident occurred when a 6,000-pound counterweight fell on Mr. Milstead’s leg after a loading dock collapsed due to an alleged defective loading arm. Plaintiff’s counsel argued at trial that Total Petrochemicals had prior knowledge of a defective loading arm that caused the accident, but did not take appropriate safety precautions. As a result of his injuries, Mr. Milstead underwent 13 surgeries and eventually had his leg amputated.

The jury found that the Total Petrochemicals negligently caused the accident and was liable to Mr. Milstead for damages. The $37.1 million award was apportioned as $8.2 million for past and future medical expenses, $2.4 million for past and future loss of wages, $10 million for past and future physical pain and suffering, $6 million for past and future mental anguish, $5 million for past and future enjoyment of life, $2 million for disability, and $3.5 million for scarring and disfigurement.

A spokeswoman for Total Petrochemicals has advised that it will appeal the verdict. Often times, appellate courts reduce multi-million dollar verdicts for being excessive. We will monitor the appeal to see how this case turns out.