Landscaper Receives Largest Personal Injury Settlement in Philadelphia History

Max Kellogg
Legal Staff Writer

As a result of a November 2011 truck accident, David Williams, a 32-year-old with three children, obtained a reported $26.55 million award pursuant to a court-approved settlement after his landscape service company truck rolled over. The resolution with TruGreen, ServiceMaster and other defendants represents the largest settlement in a personal injury case in Philadelphia County.

David Williams, who was 27 at the time of the incident, was driving a TruGreen vehicle (owned at the time by ServiceMaster) when he lost control and swerved off the road. Consequently, Williams was ejected from the vehicle and suffered a fractured spinal cord. Williams, now 32, is quadriplegic.

According to Williams’ attorney, Robert J. Mongeluzzi, the truck had “bald, dangerous tires” that caused the truck to rollover. Further, prior to the accident, a field-service technician for the servicer of TruGreen purportedly performed an inspection of the truck. The vehicle failed the inspection, yet TruGreen allegedly did nothing in response.

Experts have indicated that Williams’ medical expenses will cost millions of dollars in his lifetime. His current condition requires around-the-clock care, including the need to be awakened and repositioned several times per night.

According to Benjamin Baer, another attorney who worked with Williams, “David hopes that in some way this settlement sends a message to all those who own, operate and/or service fleet vehicles; remember David when you do an inspection, never look the other way when you see a defective tire, worn brakes, or some other hazardous condition that can ultimately cost someone their life.”

This case is David Williams, et al. v. TruGreen Lawncare, et al., No. 002420, Pa. Comm. Pls., Phila. Co.

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