Tyson Foods ordered to pay injured worker $2.2 million

A former Tyson Foods plant worker in North Texas was awarded a $2.248 million injury settlement by a federal jury following a recent trial held in the U.S. Court District Eastern District of Texas in Sherman.

“We’re disappointed by the jury verdict, especially given our efforts to help any worker hurt on the job,” Worth Sparkman, company spokesman said in an email response. “We’ll be examining our legal options including the possibility of an appeal.”

Asa Ferrell sued the meat giant in 2014 claiming he suffered three different injuries which happened while he was employed by Tyson Foods. Court records indicate Ferrell was first injured in November 2012 when an overhead door closed on him. It happened again in May 2013. Three months later in August 2013, Ferrell claimed he sustained a lower back injury while lifting boxes boxes.

Jurors awarded Ferrell $498,382 for physical impairment, $774,478 for pain and suffering and $111,531 for mental anguish and emotional distress, $505,936 for lost earning capacity, and $358,600 for past and future medical expenses.

Tyson Foods was deemed by the jury to be “a proximate cause” of Ferrell’s back injury though the jury found no negligence by the company.