A Clark County jury returned a nearly $20 million verdict for a worker catastrophically injured after being run over by a 4,000-pound forklift on a Las Vegas job site. Shook & Stone proved the employer prioritized speed and favoritism over safety—allowing untrained workers to operate heavy machinery—resulting in permanent brain damage, amputations, and total disability.
The Narrative
Problem: Systemic Safety Failures and Corporate Favoritism
This case arose from a workplace culture where basic safety rules were ignored. Heavy equipment was operated by untrained temporary workers, and established safety protocols were routinely bypassed. That systemic failure culminated in a devastating incident: a forklift operated by a co-worker rolled backward and crushed our client’s body, causing irreversible injuries.
Compounding the misconduct, the forklift operator—who was the brother-in-law of the company owner—was later promoted to safety director after the incident, despite his direct involvement. The message was clear: accountability stopped at the top.
Action: Attorney-Led Trial Litigation
Shook & Stone took the case to trial and presented a comprehensive, evidence-driven narrative to the jury. Our attorneys demonstrated:
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The employer’s failure to enforce basic forklift safety standards
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The decision to allow untrained and temporary workers to operate heavy machinery
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A pattern of favoritism that replaced accountability with protectionism
We introduced extensive expert testimony and life-care planning evidence detailing:
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Permanent traumatic brain injury
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Multiple amputations
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Total and lifelong disability
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Future medical treatment, attendant care, and lost earning capacity
The defense attempted to minimize damages by arguing our client had made “progress” and could someday return to limited work. The jury rejected that narrative.
Result: Nearly $20 Million Jury Verdict
After hearing the evidence, the jury delivered a nearly $20 million verdict, including:
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$7.9 million for future pain and suffering
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$7 million for future medical expenses
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Additional damages for lost income, economic loss, and long-term care needs
The verdict ensured our client would have the financial security required for lifelong medical care and support, while holding the employer publicly accountable for placing profits and favoritism over worker safety.
DIRECTIONS 
