Berry Robertson Killed, Elton Patterson Injured in Tractor-Trailer Accident; Equipment Malfunction?

Was safety negligence or an equipment malfunction a factor in this loss of life and could it have been prevented? Read 'Our Legal Take' below to find out if Mr. Robertson's family and Mr. Patterson may have legal avenues for justice and claims for substantial compensation in Georgia.

Wrens News

Wrens, Georgia police were investigating a death after a tractor-trailer crushed a man who was repairing the truck Thursday, May 9, 2019. According to AugustaChronicle.com, "Berry Robertson, 54, of Stapleton, was working under the rear axle, replacing brake component on a truck he owned." According to the report, the vehicle he was working on shifted and [a] hydraulic jack failed and the axle fell onto Robertson crushing him. Per the report, Elton Patterson was also under the truck helping with the repairs when the jack slipped. Mr. Patterson's leg was partially trapped under a tire. Responders were able to free Mr. Patterson and he "was transported to Augusta University Medical Center with non-threatening injuries."

Our Legal Take

Truck drivers have a right to safety while working and driving on the job. The Murray Law Firm questions the safety of the truck and the equipment used, and whether this tragic incident may have been prevented. Relevant factual and legal inquiries include, but are not limited to:

Did any safety features fail on the hydraulic jack?
Was the tragedy a result of a catastrophic equipment malfunction?
Was the manufacturer of the equipment aware of any potential safety risks to employees?
Were any attempts made to service, recall or replace the vehicle or equipment prior to the incident?

Under Georgia Workers' Compensation laws, our legal team suggests that the family of Berry Robertson will most likely be entitled to significant compensation as a result of this accident. While Mr. Robertson's family should be eligible for benefits under Georgia workers' compensation laws, they may also hold a substantial third-party civil claim against the designer or manufacturer of the vehicle and/or equipment. Based on its history and experience in representing families in Georgia with workers compensation and product liability claims, The Murray Law Firm suggests that Mr. Robertson's family should retain legal counsel without delay so as to ensure that all evidence connected to the incident is preserved. In addition, Mr. Patterson may elect to file a claim for his injuries.

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The Murray Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for individuals who have been hurt, or families whose loved ones have been lost, in a work accident and as a consequence of an unsafe property. We have obtained well over $100 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including a $29.25 million dollar verdict for the family of a worker who lost his life at an unsafe property as consequence of a product defect. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.

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DISCLAIMERS: The information contained in this post is from secondary sources and may therefore contain inaccuracies. We will gladly correct or remove this post upon request. The material contained in this post is not intended to constitute legal advice. As each Client is unique, please contact us for a free consultation on your particular case. “Contingent attorneys’ fees” refers only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.