N.J. Jury Awards $11.2 Million to Man Hit By Cargo Box

A jury in New Jersey has awarded an Atlantic Highlands man $11.2 million for injuries suffered when a cargo container fell off a truck and onto the driver’s side of his car.

Paul Dolan, 42, sued Piscataway-based Hapag-Lloyd America Corp., which supplied the cargo container involved in the January 2004 accident, which occurred while Dolan was traveling west on Route 46 after crossing the George Washington Bridge.

The state Superior Court jury last Friday awarded him $8 million for pain and suffering, $150,000 for hospital expenses and $1.1 million for lost wages. Dolan’s wife also received another $2 million for lost services.

Dolan’s lawyer — Montvale-based attorney Richard Weiner — told Gannett New Jersey that his client is no longer able to work his job as a union plumber because of the injuries he suffered. Dolan, who once competed in triathlon events, now needs a cane to walk, Weiner said.

Hapag-Lloyd’s attorney, John Levy of Cherry Hill, declined comment on the case.