Trial Magazine

Willie Clay, 67, went to a car dealer to help his son purchase a vehicle. As Clay stood by a raised vehicle in the dealer’s garage, an employee operating a hydraulic vehicle lift lowered the car onto Clay’s right foot. He suffered crush fractures to three toes, which required amputation within two weeks. He now suffers pain when walking, has a limp, and uses a cane. His medical expenses were more than $31,300.

Clay sued the operator of the dealership, Shako Mako, Inc., and the premises owner, Nahla LLC, alleging the defendants negligently allowed him to access the garage area without warning of the hazard posed by the elevated vehicle. Suit also alleged liability for the employee’s negligent operation of the lift. 

The jury awarded the plaintiff more than $2.81 million.

Citation: Clay v. Shako Mako, Inc., No. DC-16-03369 (Tex. Dist. Ct. Dallas Cnty. Feb. 21, 2019).

Plaintiff counsel: Nicholas Morrow and AAJ member Miriah A. Soliz, both of Houston.