Facts

On behalf of the United States, Joshua Harman, as qui tam Relator, filed a lawsuit against Trinity Industries Inc. and Trinity Highway Products LLC.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff alleged that defendants' guardrail end treatment that was sold and installed as a safety device on national highways was modified by defendants without disclosure or approval from the Federal Highway Administration. Plaintiff further alleged that defendants falsely certified that the modified guardrail was approved for federal reimbursement. Plaintiff contended that the modified guardrail malfunctioned when struck by vehicles and resulted in serious injuries and fatalities.

Result

Following a jury trial, a jury found that defendants knowingly made a false record or statement material to a false or fraudulent claim. The jury found that defendants caused the U.S. $175,000,000 in damages, which the court was to triple, for a total amount of $525,000,000.

Other Information

FILING DATE: March 6, 2012.