News Summary

A jury has awarded over $75 million to Brian Mierendorf, a 37-year-old HVAC technician severely injured in a chemical explosion at a Kroger store in Bloomfield Township. The incident, resulting from a defective refrigerant, caused devastating injuries requiring 25 surgeries. The case raises serious concerns about Kroger’s safety protocols and maintenance practices. Mierendorf’s life has been drastically changed due to the incident, highlighting the responsibility of companies to ensure the safety of their employees and customers.

Bloomfield Township, Michigan — Kroger Co. has been ordered to pay over $75 million to Brian Mierendorf, a 37-year-old HVAC technician, and his wife, Heather Mierendorf, after a jury found the company liable for Mierendorf’s severe injuries sustained during a chemical explosion at a Kroger store in Bloomfield Township. The verdict, rendered on June 17 in Oakland County Circuit Court, is one of the largest premises liability awards in the history of Michigan.

The incident occurred on February 1, 2022, when Mierendorf was working to address a refrigerant leak in the meat department of the Kroger store. He suffered severe chemical burns and was left with devastating injuries, including the loss and amputation of most of his fingers and hands. The explosion was caused by a defective refrigerant, R-22, which had been banned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to its harmful environmental effects. Mierendorf’s left hand froze to the refrigeration line during his attempts to mitigate the leak, resulting in substantial injuries when he finally freed himself.

Following the explosion, Mierendorf underwent a staggering 25 surgeries in the fight to regain functionality and manage his injuries. He now faces ongoing challenges in daily life and potential long-term limitations due to the traumatic nature of his injuries. His attorney highlighted that the damages awarded were calculated to include both economic and non-economic losses, taking into account the future impacts on Mierendorf’s life.

Kroger’s defense at the trial attempted to shift some of the blame onto Mierendorf, arguing that his actions contributed to the incident. However, the jury described Mierendorf’s response as heroic. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Kroger had failed to maintain safety standards and adequate documentation concerning the maintenance, repair, and inspection records of the refrigeration system in question. This lack of proper oversight left the store vulnerable to such dangerous incidents.

Before this tragic event, Mierendorf worked as a journeyman pipefitter and HVAC technician. His dedication to his job was evident as he tried to protect customers from potential harm during the refrigerant leak. Unfortunately, his commitment to safety resulted in life-changing injuries.

The incident raised serious concerns about Kroger’s safety protocols. An attorney for Mierendorf pointed out that the situation could have been avoided if proper maintenance had been conducted. The company reportedly did not release a complete incident report until more than two years after the explosion, indicating potential negligence in their operational practices.

In conclusion, the jury’s decision underscores the serious implications companies face concerning workplace safety and the responsibility they have to protect their employees and customers. The substantial award in this case not only compensates Mierendorf and his family for their immediate losses but also reflects the court’s recognition of the long-term effects of Mierendorf’s injuries, ensuring he receives the support needed as he navigates this new chapter of his life.