A Montgomery County jury has awarded $2.6 million to the family of a longtime concrete maintenance worker who died following a workplace accident at Shelby Concrete’s east Montgomery plant in 2022.
Delivered on May 23, the verdict followed a fiercely contested trial. The case was brought by the law firm Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law after the defense made a $100,000 settlement offer.
The incident occurred in May of 2022, when the worker, identified as L.E., was performing maintenance on an auger. After finishing his work, a conveyor belt at the plant unexpectedly started, knocking L.E. off his feet and causing him to hit his head. He suffered a catastrophic brain injury and was thrown into a hopper, where he had to be rescued by Montgomery County Fire and Rescue personnel.
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L.E., affectionately known as “Grandaddy,” never regained consciousness and died 22 days later on June 18, 2022. He was survived by his wife of 40 years, two children, and four grandchildren.
The jury’s decision marks a significant outcome in a case centered on workplace safety and corporate accountability. Family attorneys argued that the accident was both tragic and preventable, and sought justice on behalf of L.E.’s surviving relatives.
The law firm expressed appreciation to the jury for its verdict and reiterated its commitment to advocating for injured workers and holding negligent companies responsible.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
