Morgan & Morgan Secures Landmark $7.6 Million Verdict in the U.S. Virgin Islands

On February 10, 2025, attorneys Kendall Shortway and Grant Gillenwater made history by securing Morgan & Morgan’s first-ever verdict in the U.S. Virgin Islands—and it was a big one. 

After a hard-fought battle, justice prevailed with a $7,657,414 verdict in a tragic wrongful death case in St. Thomas.

A Devastating Incident

Our client was a construction worker helping renovate a Marriott property on St. Thomas. On the morning of the incident, he was operating a telehandler when, for reasons unknown, it overturned. In a split-second decision, he either fell or jumped from the vehicle, only for it to tragically crush him. His family was left shattered, seeking answers and accountability.

Morgan & Morgan filed suit against both the construction company and the property development group, arguing that their failure to properly train our client and enforce safety protocols led to his death. But the road to justice was anything but easy.

Beating the Odds 

From the start, the defense was confident that the jury would place all the blame on our client. OSHA had determined he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident, and the defense leveraged this to argue that he alone was responsible. 

Their best and final offer? Just $300,000.

Victory for Our Client’s Family

In the end, the jury saw the truth. While they found our client 10% at fault, that still meant a recovery of approximately $6.9 million for his family—an outcome far beyond what the defense ever anticipated.

This case wasn’t just about a verdict; it was about sending a message. Companies cannot cut corners on safety and expect to walk away unscathed. 

This victory stands as a powerful example of Morgan & Morgan’s commitment to fighting For the People, ensuring that families like these receive the accountability and compensation they need and deserve.