Guardrail Manufacturer Sued After Malfunction

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A jury has awarded a whistleblower $175 million in a lawsuit against Trinity Industries, a highway guardrail manufacturer. The company has been the subject of much scrutiny after an ABC Investigates report revealed a design change in 2005 was hidden from federal regulators. That design change may be the reason why the guardrails have been malfunctioning.

Several states have already begun blacklisting the product known as ET-Plus. Missouri, Nevada and Massachusetts are just the latest to pull the guardrail from their approved product lists. Still, there are countless number of these guardrails on our nation’s road – this malfunctioning design has been in use since 2005. It is estimated that at least a dozen accidents have involved such malfunctioning guardrails, some of them fatal.

The problem with the guardrail design lies in the guardrail head. Instead of absorbing the speed of colliding vehicles and peeling away with the cars as intended, the ET-Plus spears through the cabin. Passengers have reported losing limbs due to such incidents with these guardrails.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the $175 million may be just the beginning of Trinity’s consequences. Typically, penalties are tripled when they involve federal whistleblowing.

Seriously Injured in an Accident Involving a Guardrail?

Our Guardrail Injury Lawyers are currently investigating serious and fatal guardrail accidents related to this untested guardrail design. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident with a guardrail, contact our attorneys to discuss your legal options. We offer a free, no obligation, case evaluation – Get Help Now 877-544-5323