On December 11, 2024, a Fresno, California jury delivered a landmark $55 million net verdict in a wrongful death case involving the tragic loss of Gurdeep Singh Ghotra. This decision included $2.5 million in economic damages and $52.5 million in non-economic damages, making it the largest non-economic wrongful death verdict in Fresno’s history and one of the largest of its kind in California. The plaintiff was represented by Minh Nguyen and his team at Nguyen Lawyers, ALC.
On February 26, 2018, Mr. Ghotra, a 30-year-old immigrant from India, accompanied a truck driver employed by Suni Transport on a ride-along to observe long-haul trucking. Mr. Ghotra had recently obtained his commercial driver’s license and was considering a career in interstate trucking.
The driver experienced difficulties backing his big rig into the loading dock. After multiple attempts, he asked Mr. Ghotra to assist by spotting him. Surveillance footage revealed that after opening the trailer doors, Mr. Ghotra was crushed to death when Pritpal Singh backed the truck into the dock.
The tragedy was compounded by the driver’s false statements to authorities. Although he claimed to have responded within minutes of the incident, video evidence showed that he sat in his truck for over 20 minutes before inspecting the area and discovering Mr. Ghotra.
Mr. Ghotra’s untimely death left behind his wife and their young son in India. His dreams of building a life in the United States and reuniting with his family were cut short. The jury’s verdict recognized the economic loss and the profound emotional and personal impact on his family.
While the trucking company admitted liability, it argued that Mr. Ghotra bore 50% of the responsibility for standing in a dangerous position near the truck. The truck driver argued that Mr. Ghotra bore 100% of responsibility. The jury sided with Mr. Ghotra’s family, finding that the trucking company and driver were 95% liable and Mr. Ghotra 5% comparatively negligent. They then delivered a verdict that reflects the value of his life and the loss suffered by his loved ones.
The family expressed deep gratitude to the Fresno jurors for their commitment and thoughtful evaluation of the evidence. Their decision honors Mr. Ghotra’s legacy and brings justice to his grieving family.
Congratulations to Attorney Minh Nguyen and his team on this landmark verdict. Thanks to Nguyen Lawyers for their important work fighting for justice for their clients.
Nguyen Lawyers, ALC is located in Long Beach, California. The firm represents plaintiffs in serious to catastrophic personal injury cases. Visit their website, NguyenLawyers.com, to learn more.
