Texas Jury Awards $1,724,038,500 in Fatal Truck Roof Defect
A defective truck roof crushed down on the occupants during a motor vehicle accident. The case involved an issue with the tire load capacity. Experts in various fields testified, including pathology, biomechanics, and accident reconstruction.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $1,724,038,500
- County
- Gwinnett County, GA
- Resolved
- 2022
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Catastrophic Injury
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $1,724,038,500 is above the median of $11,275,666 for catastrophic injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $3,260,000 to $15,400,000, based on 11 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A motor vehicle accident involving a Ford Super Duty truck resulted in the deaths of its occupants when the vehicle's roof crushed. The incident also involved an alleged tire load capacity issue. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit, contending that the truck's roof was defectively designed and failed to protect the occupants, leading to fatal injuries.
The plaintiff argued that the vehicle's roof structure was inadequate and contributed to the deaths. Expert testimony for the plaintiff covered forensic pathology, biomechanics, accident reconstruction, mechanical engineering, and vehicle crashworthiness to demonstrate the alleged design defect and its role in causing the fatalities.
The defendant disputed the allegations, maintaining that the vehicle's design was not defective or that other factors were responsible for the occupants' deaths. Defense experts presented testimony in fields such as anatomical pathology, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, and occupant kinematics to challenge the plaintiff's claims.
Following a trial that concluded on August 19, 2022, a jury awarded the plaintiff $1,724,038,500. The verdict indicated that the jury found the defendant liable for the alleged defects contributing to the occupants' deaths.
Understanding This Case
- This case went to trial and resulted in a jury verdict. Verdicts can yield higher awards but carry the risk of receiving nothing if the jury rules against the plaintiff.
- This case was resolved in Gwinnett County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2022, this case reflects the legal and economic conditions of that period, including medical costs, insurance practices, and jury award trends at the time.
VerdictlyTM Score
This outcome significantly deviates from similar cases
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
Want to understand your case value?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Gwinnett County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
A driver alleged that a tractor-trailer driver was negligent in causing a rear-end collision. The plaintiff suffered neck and spinal injuries requiring surgery. The defendants disputed causation and the extent of the injuries. The plaintiff claimed the truck driver was under the influence of drugs. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff.
One driver was traveling on a tollway when their vehicle ran out of gas and became disabled. The other driver, who was following behind, struck the disabled vehicle. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and back. The jury found the second driver 80% liable and the first driver 20% liable.
One driver was stopped on a road when their car was struck from behind by another car. This initial impact propelled the stopped car into a third vehicle. The driver of the first car claimed injuries to their back and neck, seeking damages for medical expenses and pain.
One driver was traveling south when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The occupants of the first vehicle claimed injuries to their back and neck. The driver of the first vehicle alleged the other driver was speeding and inattentive, while the second driver claimed the first vehicle stopped suddenly. The first driver sought damages for medical costs, pain, and suffering.
One driver was stopped to make a left turn when their pickup truck was hit from behind by another vehicle. The driver of the pickup truck claimed injuries to their back and neck. The lawsuit alleged the other driver was negligent. The trial focused on damages.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.