A Chinese construction worker, Zeng Guang Lin who was severely injured due to a workplace accident in New York, has been awarded US$62 million as compensation by the Queens County Supreme Court on December 18.

This is believed to be the largest personal injury verdict for a single plaintiff in the history of the court.

The 26-year-old construction worker sustained a traumatic brain injury and other severe injuries after sustaining a 20-foot fall off a roof in 2008 while working in the Bronx area, in New York for Hutch Realty Partners LLC.

A jury unanimously found that the defendants, Hutch Realty Partners LLC had violated the Labor Law in failing to provide Mr. Lin with proper safety equipment and were charged with negligence and shirking responsibilities.

According to the Queens Supreme Court jury's judgment, US$20 million worth of damages were awarded for past pain and suffering, US$42 million for future pain and suffering. Zeng Guang Lin will receive a further US$60,000 for previous medical expenses.

Benedict Morelli, Lin's lead attorney, said the verdict brought his client to tears.

"It made you feel good that the jury system is still fair and it isn't prejudicial," he said.

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