A truck driver from Coffee County, Alabama, named Joshua Lyerly, has been awarded a $12 million settlement from an incident where he was injured on the job last year.

The details: On March 1, 2023, Lyerly suffered injuries from a rollover while transporting chickens to a poultry plant. The driver chalked up approximately $6 million in medical expenses.

The lawsuit, which went unanswered by the defendant, Kim Pearson Custom Hauling LLC, accuses the company of negligence that resulted in Lyerly's injuries. According to WTVY, punitive damages were also included in the $12 million judgment.

Why it's significant: This judgment emphasizes the importance of workplace safety and accountability. The law firm representing Lyerly believes the case sends a powerful message about workers' rights and dignity.

Coffee County Circuit Judge Shannon Clark issued a temporary restraining order preventing Pearson from liquidating assets before the lawsuit's payments are fulfilled.

What's next: With no response or representation from Pearson during the lawsuit process, it's unclear how or when Lyerly will receive the settlement.

Meanwhile, the imposed restraining order aims to secure assets in anticipation of the compensation due to Lyerly.