OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. — A man from Michigan suffered life-altering injuries when a refrigerant explosion occurred at a Kroger supermarket in Bloomfield Township in 2022. A jury recently awarded him nearly $77 million in damages, a decision welcomed by the man’s family, yet they acknowledge that no amount of money can restore what was lost.
Jon Marko, the attorney representing Brian Mierendorf, expressed the mixed emotions surrounding the jury’s verdict. “It’s bittersweet,” he said. “While we’re pleased with the ruling, it doesn’t bring back Brian’s hands.” Mierendorf, a 37-year-old pipefitter and HVAC technician, sustained severe injuries during the incident, which left him missing most of his fingers.
The explosion was caused by a defective refrigeration system while Mierendorf was attempting repairs in the meat department. The incident released R-22 refrigerant, a toxic chemical that has faced bans from the Environmental Protection Agency since 2020. The aftermath of the explosion was harrowing, with Mierendorf undergoing 25 surgeries in efforts to save his hands.
Marko described the nature of Mierendorf’s injuries, noting the trauma experienced by the family as he underwent multiple surgeries to address the extensive damage. “His hands were cut off, piece-by-piece, in front of his wife and family,” Marko explained, emphasizing the emotional toll and the long-term impact of the injuries. “He will never be the same, nor will he return to work in a traditional sense.”
The jury in Oakland County determined that Kroger exhibited negligence leading to Mierendorf’s injuries, culminating in a substantial award of $76.7 million. This figure ranks among the largest verdicts recorded in the state’s history. However, Marko stated that even this considerable amount cannot undo the suffering endured by Mierendorf and his family.
“We’re hoping to support him as he attempts to rebuild his life, which will be a long journey spanning the next several decades,” Marko remarked. The devastation caused by this incident weighs heavily on Mierendorf and his loved ones.
As of now, Kroger has not provided any comments regarding the jury’s decision and the lawsuit brought against them.
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