Court Orders Reduction in Damages in Case Against Wabash
Rhea-AI Summary
Wabash (NYSE: WNC) announced a significant court ruling regarding a case from September involving a 2019 motor vehicle accident. The Circuit Court on March 20, 2025, reduced the punitive damages from $450 million to $108 million, while maintaining compensatory damages at $11.5 million.
The case, Williams et al. v. Wabash, involved a passenger vehicle striking the back of a nearly stopped 2004 Wabash trailer. The company maintains that the trailer was manufactured in compliance with all applicable regulations and believes the current damages remain abnormally high. Wabash continues to evaluate legal options while affirming its commitment to product safety and quality.
Positive
- Court reduced punitive damages by 76% from $450M to $108M
- Company maintains strong legal position to further challenge remaining damages
Negative
- Company still faces significant $119.5M total damages payment
- Legal proceedings and potential appeals may continue to impact company resources
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, WNC declined 4.16%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
LAFAYETTE, Ind., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wabash (NYSE: WNC) today announced an update in its challenge to the verdict issued against the company in September by a St. Louis jury in Williams et al. v. Wabash. On March 20, 2025, a Circuit Court determined that the punitive damage award in the case, which stood at
The case concerns a 2019 motor vehicle accident in which a passenger vehicle with an unobstructed view struck the back of a nearly stopped 2004 Wabash trailer. The accident occurred nearly two decades after the trailer involved was manufactured by Wabash in compliance with all applicable regulations.
Wabash continues to believe both that the damages remain abnormally high and the verdict is not supported by the facts or the law. The company continues to evaluate all available legal options.
Wabash stands firmly behind the quality and safety of all its products, and this ruling will not prevent the company from continuing to provide its customers with products that contribute to safer roads.
Wabash: Changing How the World Reaches You®
Wabash (NYSE: WNC) combines physical and digital technologies to deliver innovative, end-to-end solutions that optimize supply chains across transportation, logistics and infrastructure markets. Headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, Wabash designs, manufactures, and services an extensive range of products supporting first-to-final mile operations, including dry and refrigerated trailers and truck bodies, platform trailers, tank trailers, structural composites and more. In addition, through the Wabash Marketplace and Wabash Parts, customers gain access to a nationwide parts and service network, Trailers as a Service (TaaS)℠, and advanced tools designed to streamline operations and drive growth. By enabling businesses to thrive today and prepare for tomorrow, Wabash is Changing How the World Reaches You®. Learn more at onewabash.com.
Media Contact:
Dana Stelsel
Director, Communications
(765) 771-5766
dana.stelsel@onewabash.com
Investor Relations:
Ryan Reed
Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations
(765) 490-5664
ryan.reed@onewabash.com
FAQ
What is the total amount Wabash (WNC) now owes after the court's reduction in damages?
How much did the court reduce the punitive damages against Wabash (WNC)?
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When did the original verdict against Wabash (WNC) occur?
