Paralyzed Man Awarded $87 Million
A Forney, Texas man was partially paralyzed when a rented U-Haul moving truck ran over him because of a faulty emergency brake and worn-down gears. A Dallas County jury agreed that U-Haul was at fault and awarded him $87 million. Talmadge Waldrip rented the U-Haul truck in September 2006 to help his daughter move. As he stopped the struck and got out, it started rolling backwards knocking him down and crushing his bladder and pelvis. Two years and more than 14 surgeries later he still cannot walk and requires 24 hour care. Many who have rented moving trucks have experienced the same type of company incompetence when reporting or experiencing problems that are ultimately ignored by the company. The attorney for the Waldrip’s and the jury agreed, “This verdict is a verdict for safety,” attorney Ted Lyon said. “U-Haul trucks are not safe. They don’s fix them.” Waldrip said his lawsuit was not about money. “I want them to know they can't treat people like this and rent a vehicle that is not roadworthy," he said.
