Home / Crime and Justice / Minnesota Judge Dismisses Wrongful Death Suit Over Fatal Lumber Incident
Minnesota Judge Dismisses Wrongful Death Suit Over Fatal Lumber Incident
9 Mar
Summary
- A judge dismissed a wrongful death suit concerning a worker's death.
- The lawsuit alleged unsafe conditions and improper training.
- The judge found no evidence of intentional harm or gross negligence.
A judge in Minnesota has dismissed a wrongful death suit brought by the family of James Lee Stanback, who died in July 2021.
The 19-year-old was allegedly crushed to death by a large stack of lumber while operating a forklift at a Menards store in Golden Valley. His mother's complaint cited unsafe conditions, including lumber stacked excessively high and improper training for her son, who was a new hire.
The complaint further stated the lumber stack weighed between 9,300-12,000 lbs., exceeding the forklift's capacity. It also alleged Stanback, hired only a month prior, lacked adequate supervision while training.
Ultimately, the judge dismissed all claims, ruling that the suit did not present sufficient evidence of intentional harm or gross negligence by Menards or its employees, and that safe working conditions are generally an employer's responsibility.
