Les Mackoff wins $5 million product liability suit against Volvo Trucks North America

On June 23, 2016 the British Columbia Supreme Court handed down reasons for judgment in Hans v. Volvo Trucks North America et al. The plaintiffs are a husband and wife longhaul truck driving team who experienced a sudden catastrophic electrical failure while operating the Volvo tractor pulling a 56 foot long trailer. The plaintiff husband suffered severe Post-traumatic Stress Disorder leading to multiple suicide attempts. It is believed that the award for non-pecuniary (pain and suffering) damages is the highest awarded in Canada for psychological injuries.

The case was heard over 29 days from January 11, 2016 to February 19, 2016. The matter returns to court in November to deal with certain outstanding issues including tax gross up, management fees and costs of the proceeding.

Les and the lawyers at Mackoff & Company have a vast amount of experience in all manner of product liability litigation including aviation, land transport and industrial products. If you have questions regarding product liability litigation we are happy to discuss them with you.

To view the reasons for judgment in the Hans case please go to http://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/search_judgments.aspx then type in 2016 BCSC 1155 in the Neutral Citation bar.