Iowa Supreme Court Overturns $3M Verdict in Quarry Worker Death

Ruling cites lack of evidence for "gross negligence" by employer in fatal accident.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Iowa Supreme Court has reversed a nearly $3 million verdict awarded to the family of a Vinton man who died in a workplace accident at a quarry in 2020. Michael Griffith was crushed to death during his first week of work at a Wendling Quarries facility in Garrison after falling into a machine while removing accumulated lime. His family had sued the company, alleging it failed to properly train Griffith, but the Supreme Court ruled the family's lawyers failed to prove the coworkers were "grossly negligent".

Why it matters

Workplace safety and training standards are critical issues, especially in high-risk industries like mining and quarrying. This case highlights the challenges workers' families can face in seeking accountability and compensation when a preventable accident occurs.

The details

Michael Griffith, a 28-year-old Vinton resident, was working his first week at the Wendling Quarries facility in Garrison, Iowa in January 2020 when the fatal accident occurred. While assigned to remove accumulated lime from a large hopper, he fell into the machine and was fatally buried under the lime aggregate. Griffith's family sued the company, alleging it failed to properly train him on operating the machinery, but a jury initially awarded them nearly $3 million in damages in 2023. The Iowa Supreme Court has now reversed that decision, ruling the family's lawyers did not prove the coworkers were "grossly negligent" in their actions.

  • Michael Griffith died in a workplace accident at the Wendling Quarries facility in January 2020.
  • In 2023, a jury awarded Griffith's family nearly $3 million in damages.
  • The Iowa Supreme Court reversed the $3 million verdict in February 2026.

The players

Michael Griffith

A 28-year-old Vinton, Iowa resident who died in a workplace accident at a Wendling Quarries facility in his first week on the job.

Wendling Quarries

The quarry company where the fatal accident occurred, which was sued by Griffith's family for allegedly failing to properly train him.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to hold employers accountable for workplace safety, even in the face of legal setbacks.”

— Sarah Johnson, Attorney for Griffith family (Des Moines Register)

What’s next

The Griffith family is considering appealing the Iowa Supreme Court's decision to overturn the $3 million verdict.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenges workers and their families face in seeking justice and compensation when preventable workplace accidents occur, even when initial court rulings go in their favor.