A Georgia state court awards the biggest verdict of its kind against a trucking company involved in a fatal accident. The $280 million verdict was announced against a publicly-traded company, Schnitzer Steel, and its wholly owned division Schnitzer Southeast, only after about 40 minutes of discussion, according to news reports.

The accident occurred in July ‘16 when a truck hit a vehicle killing all five people inside, including two children, their mother, grandmother, and grandmother’s twin sister.

The accident happened in Russell County, however, the case was submitted in a court in Georgia where the defendant is based. According to reports, this is the biggest verdict to have been awarded in Muscogee County.

The lawsuit was filed by Judy Madere, a relative of the two children involved in the accident. Another case involving the same accident is currently pending. Some cases involving the mother of the two children did not reach the court and were settled outside.

Schnitzer Southeast is a division of Schnitzer Steel. Both the companies were found liable in the case.

The defendant’s submitted proof that showed braking marks for the family’s car but none for the truck. The family alleged that the driver was too tired to be on the road. They claimed that he fell asleep while driving causing him to slam the vehicle into the family’s SUV.

The truck driver, identified as Kenneth Cathey, is facing criminal charges for his involvement in the accident. However, he argues that the accident happened because a dog suddenly jumped in front of his truck. Schnitzer intends to appeal the decision, according to a statement released by the company. While they took responsibility for the accident, the attorneys maintained that the trial was full of errors, especially since the court found both, Schnitzer Southeast and Schnitzer Steel, liable in the case.

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