Iowa Supreme Court Reverses $3 Million Settlement in Death of Garrison Man

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The Iowa Supreme Court has overturned a $3 million settlement awarded to the family of a Garrison man who died in a workplace accident at a quarry. The court ruled that the co-workers responsible for assembling the equipment did not have the required "actual knowledge" of the specific safety hazard that led to the man's death, and therefore could not be held liable for gross negligence.

Why it matters

This case highlights the high legal bar for proving gross negligence against co-workers in workplace accident cases in Iowa, even when safety violations and preventable hazards are present. The ruling could make it more difficult for families to seek additional compensation beyond workers' compensation benefits when a loved one is killed on the job due to unsafe conditions.

The details

Michael Griffith, a novice stockpiler, died after falling through an unsecured catwalk gate and into a dangerous lime surge hopper at a Wendling Quarries site in Garrison. An MSHA investigation found that the gate, which was supposed to be secured with metal pins, was instead held closed with a strip of metal wire, making it less secure. However, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that the co-workers responsible for assembling the equipment did not have the required "actual knowledge" that the pins were missing and the gate was unsecured, a higher legal standard than mere negligence.

• On December 30, Griffith began working as a stockpiler at the Garrison quarry.
• On January 8, the accident occurred that led to Griffith's death.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Iowa Supreme Court has remanded the case back to the district court for dismissal of the civil action, ruling that the plaintiffs' exclusive remedy is the workers' compensation death benefits provided by Iowa law.