Releases

A San Antonio jury has issued a $56.3 million verdict against construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Inc. and a Caterpillar retailer after finding that defects and lax maintenance led to a construction worker being paralyzed. Attorney Mark Lanier of The Lanier Law Firm represented Alfonso Lopez, 38, and his family in claims over a 2006 incident where he was operating a Caterpillar 623 G Wheel Tractor Scraper that began shaking violently and bucking uncontrollably. Mr. Lopez suffered permanent paralysis below the waist even though he was wearing a seatbelt. "Juries will always hold corporate America responsible for putting profits over safety," says Lanier. "Caterpillar and others need to alert the public when problems arise, rather than crossing their fingers in hopes no one gets hurt." To interview Mr. Lanier, contact Bruce Vincent at 800-559-4534 or bruce@androvett.com.