10/04/2022
Shaffer and Gaier Secure $8.2 Million Verdict for Construction/Industrial Accident:
Shaffer and Gaier, LLC, proudly announce an $8.2 million trial verdict on behalf of their client Justin D’Amico following an eight-day trial in Philadelphia regarding a December 19, 2017 Construction/Industrial Accident.
As a result of the accident, Shaffer and Gaier’s client suffered a fractured pelvis and an avulsion fracture of his back at L5, requiring extensive surgery for the pelvic fracture with significant rehabilitation leaving their client with permanent, lifelong limitations.
The suit was against Covanta Energy, a power company operating a plant in the Grey’s Ferry section of Philadelphia. Sirk Mechanical, Justin’s employer, was hired to disassemble a metal catwalk and scaffold. Justin was disassembling the catwalk when a 2,500 pound section crashed on him.
At trial, attorneys Michael Shaffer and Michael Gaier presented evidence showing Covanta violated OSHA standards as well as its own safety policies in allowing the incident to occur, causing the injuries to the plaintiff. “During discovery, we obtained Covanta’s own safety review of the incident and were able to use that to prove our case using their own witnesses, including their safety engineering expert”, said Michael D. Shaffer, Esq.
Shaffer and Gaier ‘s witnesses and evidence proved Covanta’s negligence and that Plaintiff's life was forever changed; the unanimous jury verdict awarded Justin D’Amico $8,219,175, over $4M for his pain and suffering and over $4M for loss of income and medical expenses.
“The jury’s verdict was an unmistakable statement as to the magnitude of Justin’s life-changing accident and injury, “ said Michael H. Gaier, Esq.
