• The family of David Loree was awarded $640 million after his death in a construction accident caused by unsafe crane operations.
• Loree’s death was the result of negligence by multiple companies involved in the project.
• The jury’s decision highlights the importance of workplace safety and corporate accountability in preventing such tragedies.

Family Awarded $640 Million After Tragic Accident

A jury has awarded the family of David Loree, a construction worker who tragically lost his life, $640 million in damages. Loree, 56, died when a massive air handling unit fell from a crane and crushed him while he was working at Texas A&M University-San Antonio on September 22, 2021. The incident occurred around 1:59 p.m. when the unit, which workers were lifting into the building, tipped and fell on Loree, fatally injuring him.

The Horrific Event

David Loree was a father and a dedicated worker. He was part of the team working at the College of Business and Library building for subcontractor Way Engineering. As Loree and his coworkers were moving the air handling units, one of them fell off the crane. The massive unit, weighing several tons, struck Loree. His injuries were severe and painful. He bled to death while coworkers looked on helplessly. Loree’s death was not immediate. He suffered for almost an hour before being taken to the hospital, where he passed away shortly after 2:47 p.m.

The Lawsuit and Its Outcome

Loree’s family filed a lawsuit against TNT Cranes & Rigging, the main contractor Byrne Construction Services, and two other firms. They accused the companies of negligence. The lawsuit pointed out that poor safety practices and management led to Loree’s death. After a three-week trial, a Harris County District Court jury awarded the family \$160 million in compensation. The next day, they granted an additional \$480 million in punitive damages. Milena, Loree’s wife, was emotional as the final amount was read aloud. Her sons, Cody and Zackary, stayed calm. The family will divide the payout equally. TNT Crane will be responsible for 68% of the total damages. Way Mechanical will pay 27%, and the rest of the firms will cover 5%.

Lawyer’s Remarks on the Case

Tony Buzbee, the family’s lead attorney, spoke out forcefully during the trial. He condemned TNT Crane for blaming Loree for his own death. The company offered a $6.9 million settlement but refused to accept responsibility for the tragedy. However, the jury ruled that the company was fully at fault for the accident. Buzbee emphasized that gross negligence had killed Loree. “It is wrong to blame the victim who died,” he said. He also clarified that the case was not about the massive payout but about clearing Loree’s name. Buzbee took pride in representing the family and fighting for justice. His frustration mounted as TNT Crane kept arguing technicalities even after the jury found them liable. He urged the jury to impose punitive damages to force the company to reform its practices.

The Chain of Events Leading to the Accident

The Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) investigated the incident. They found that Loree was crushed by the air handling unit after it tipped over. The workers had been moving the unit into the building when a gust of wind caused it to fall. The unit was rigged incorrectly, with two of the four cables coming loose during the lift. The crane operator had little experience and did not follow the approved plan for the lift. The crew was also understaffed, and Loree and his coworkers had no training for the rigging work they were doing. The wind was another dangerous factor. It reached speeds of 45 mph, well above the safety limit of 25-30 mph for lifting. Despite these warnings, TNT Crane pressed on with the lift. The company did not inform workers of a broken wind safety gauge and ignored the risks.

The Safety Failures That Led to the Tragedy

The lawsuit provided more details on the safety failures that led to Loree’s death. The crane operator, who was not qualified for the job, created his own plan to lift the heavy load. He admitted that his plan was wrong and did not match the approved lift plan. To make matters worse, the crane crew was understaffed, and Loree, a pipefitter, was asked to assist in rigging and spotting the lift. He had no training in these tasks. Wind conditions at the site were unsafe. Gusts reached 45 mph, and the crane’s safety equipment was broken. Despite workers expressing concerns, the lift continued. Two of the cables that should have secured the unit failed, causing the air handling unit to fall.

The Painful Reality of Loss

David Loree was more than just a worker. His family described him as someone who never gave up and always helped others. His obituary celebrated his problem-solving skills and love for music. Loree had a passion for high-performance engines and enjoyed playing the guitar. His family remembered him as a dependable and loving person. His wife, Milena, said she always relied on him for his strength and trustworthiness. She praised his forgiving nature and said he was a man of great character. Loree’s family, while grieving, found some comfort in knowing that their loved one was not forgotten and that justice had been served.

The Long Road to Justice

The $640 million award for Loree’s family serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety. The trial revealed significant failures on the part of the companies involved. It also highlighted the need for better safety practices in the construction industry. The case was not just about financial compensation but about holding the companies accountable for their role in Loree’s death. The family hopes that the enormous damages awarded will serve as a warning to other companies to prioritize safety. This tragedy could have been prevented with proper training, equipment, and safety protocols. Loree’s death was unnecessary, and the family hopes that this case will lead to positive changes in the industry.