Man gets $200,000 award for cattle chute injury

ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP)--Jurors in Spink County awarded a man $200,000 for injuries suffered while unloading a cattle chute.

Brandon Erwin hurt his back in December 2002 while helping unload the chute he delivered from Cow Country Equipment in Rapid City to Michael Brink of rural Redfield.

Judge Tony Portra said that while the chute was being unloaded, one side slipped and Erwin was pinched.

The judge said Erwin was not obliged to help unload the chute, and Brink should have provided the workers and equipment.

Portra said Erwin testified he had about $35,000 in lost wages and $80,000 in medical bills and expects more.

Ten of the 12 jurors agreed with the verdict, which is the minimum number required in a civil case.

1/5/09
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Date: 1/8/09

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