June 20, 2024 – Attorneys from the nationally renowned firm of Hilliard Law located in Corpus Christi, TX are pleased to announce that an arbitration panel appointed through the American Arbitration Association (AAA) recently awarded $33 million to two delivery drivers who were tragically shot on the job while making deliveries for a world-leading online retailer. The company refused to mediate and offered the victims $0 before arbitration.
The clients worked as independent contractors who used their own personal vehicles to make deliveries for the retailer. The drivers received no training and were not provided with any company-branded clothing or peripherals for their vehicles so that customers could identify them when making deliveries. Both ended up being shot while making deliveries by a homeowner who believed them to be criminal.
Attorneys Michael Richardson, Jennifer Hightower, Ben O’Connor of Hilliard Law, along with Ben Crump of Ben Crump Law, and Lashonda Council Rogers of Council & Associates, LLC pursued the claim, accusing the corporate giant of negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The attorneys from Hilliard Law argued that the company failed to provide sufficient safety measures, such as identifiable vests or signage for their vehicles, which could have prevented the tragic misunderstanding.
“If they cared about their drivers and their safety as much as they cared about profits, this tragedy could have been prevented, “said Ben Crump.
Jennifer Hightower, a trial lawyer from Hilliard Law, added, “This award underscores this large e-commerce and delivery company’s moral obligation to protect its employees. The lack of branded materials and sufficient training was inexcusable and directly contributed to this situation.”
Hilliard Law remains committed to advocating for justice and accountability, and hope that this settlement will prompt companies to reevaluate their safety protocols and take more substantial measure to protect their workers.
About Hilliard Law:
Hilliard Law, formerly Hilliard Martinez Gonzales LLP (HMG), is a nationally renowned law firm based in Corpus Christi, TX. With a history of success in personal injury and mass tort litigation, Hilliard Law is committed to providing aggressive representation and seeking justice for its clients. Bob Hilliard, owner and founding partner, has led Hilliard Law to the forefront of national trial law firms. Having tried over 150 jury trials, Mr. Hilliard is also a two-time winner of the National Law Journal’s prestigious Elite Trial Lawyer of the Year award for product liability and motor vehicles and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer for the past 20 years. Mr. Hilliard is double board certified and recognized as one of the top 100 trial lawyers in the United States. In 2023 alone, Hilliard Law’s 40-lawyer firm secured over 80 million dollars in verdicts and settlements. For more information, visit www.hilliard-law.com.
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