BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. — A jury has awarded $75 million in damages to a Michigan HVAC technician who incurred significant injuries while responding to a refrigerant leak at a Kroger store in 2022. Brian Mierendorf, who lost several fingers in the incident, underwent 25 surgeries as a result of a chemical explosion that took place in the Bloomfield Hills store.
The incident occurred on February 1, 2022, when Mierendorf arrived to perform maintenance on a refrigeration system. While working, he encountered a leak from an R-22 refrigerant line, a substance that is both toxic and banned. The leak was reportedly near the meat department and resulted in Mierendorf attempting to contain it in order to protect customers nearby.
Without access to a shutoff valve, Mierendorf took action to prevent further exposure. His lawyer, Jon Marko, described Mierendorf’s efforts as heroic, stating that the technician acted under dangerous conditions to safeguard others. Despite these actions, Marko noted that Kroger’s legal team sought to deflect responsibility during the trial.
On June 17, a jury from Oakland County delivered what is being described as a historic verdict for premises liability, recognizing Mierendorf’s suffering and sacrifices. This ruling grants both economic and non-economic compensation for Mierendorf and his wife, Heather, affirming the seriousness of the incident and the company’s liability.
The horrific injuries Mierendorf sustained during the explosion included severe burns and the amputation of multiple fingers from both hands. According to court documents, his left hand became frozen to the leaking pipe amidst the chemical exposure, creating a catastrophic situation from which he struggled to escape.
Kroger was accused of negligence for failing to inform Mierendorf about the inherent risks and for not maintaining adequate inspection and repair records for the refrigeration system. Allegations were made that the company provided only partial documentation related to the incident more than two years after it occurred.
Marko emphasized that the jury’s decision sends a strong message acknowledging the danger posed by Kroger’s neglected equipment and commending Mierendorf’s actions during the crisis.
Mierendorf’s story has raised significant awareness about workplace safety and the responsibilities of companies to adequately maintain their systems to prevent such tragic incidents.
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