OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. — A Michigan man lost most of his hands due to a refrigerant explosion at a Kroger supermarket in 2022, leading to a jury’s landmark decision this week to award him nearly $77 million in damages.
Brian Mierendorf, a 37-year-old pipefitter and HVAC technician, has spent the last three years navigating the traumatic aftermath of the incident, which his attorney described as “bittersweet.” Jon Marko, representing Mierendorf, expressed satisfaction with the jury’s verdict, emphasizing that no amount of money can restore what has been lost. He stated, “We’re happy with the verdict, but nothing’s going to bring Brian’s hands back.”
The explosion occurred while Mierendorf was repairing a defective refrigeration system in the meat department of the Kroger store located in Bloomfield Township, Michigan. The incident resulted in severe injuries, as Mierendorf’s hands were devastated, leaving him nearly fingerless and unable to return to work.
“This injury was devastating,” Marko said, detailing that Mierendorf underwent 25 surgeries, where doctors painstakingly attempted to save his hands, ultimately resulting in a tragic loss witnessed by his family. “He’s never going to be the same,” Marko continued, highlighting the long-term effect on Mierendorf’s life and his family.
The explosion released R-22 refrigerant, a toxic chemical that had been banned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2020. Following the jury’s deliberation, it was concluded that the supermarket was negligent, directly contributing to Mierendorf’s injuries. The jury’s award of $76.7 million is noted as one of the largest judgments in the state’s history.
Despite the monumental judgment, Marko remarked that monetary compensation would not alleviate the profound impact of the incident. Mierendorf has endeavored to rebuild his life since the explosion, but the enduring challenges he faces remain significant. “He’s going to be doing it for the next 45 years until he leaves this earth,” Marko added, indicating the lengthy and painful recovery ahead.
Kroger has not issued a response regarding the verdict or the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
This account reflects the enduring consequences of workplace safety failures and the long road to recovery faced by victims of industrial accidents.
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