$109 Million Verdict Awarded to Gleeson Asphalt Inc. for Supplier Misrepresentation

Case Summary

Simon Law secured a $109 million jury verdict on behalf of Gleeson Asphalt Inc. after proving that supplier LaFarge North America knowingly misrepresented the quality of its base rock. The inferior material caused serious failures in two parking lots in St. Charles County and St. Louis County, forcing Gleeson to redo the projects at significant expense. The four-day trial concluded with a unanimous ruling in favor of Gleeson on all six counts.

Key Highlights

1. LaFarge North America argued the dispute was nothing more than a miscommunication about the type of base rock delivered. However, Simon Law attorneys demonstrated that LaFarge knowingly substituted inferior materials and falsely represented them as meeting Gleeson Asphalt’s project specifications.
2. Evidence presented at trial showed the faulty rock directly caused the failure of two newly constructed parking lots in St. Charles County and St. Louis County, requiring complete reconstruction at Gleeson’s expense.
3. Witness testimony and documentary evidence, including internal records and expert analysis of the rock gradation, confirmed that LaFarge’s actions amounted to corporate fraud rather than an innocent mistake. The jury’s unanimous verdict on all six counts reflected their agreement with Simon Law’s case.

Business Litigation Lawsuit: Case Analysis

Gleeson Asphalt originally filed suit in 2019 after discovering that its supplier, LaFarge North America, had delivered base rock of a lower grade than what was ordered and represented. The inferior product led to structural failures in two newly constructed parking lots, requiring costly reconstruction.

Simon Law attorneys argued that LaFarge intentionally misrepresented the materials it supplied, presenting the issue as a simple miscommunication rather than deliberate corporate misconduct. The case required an in-depth presentation of engineering, construction, and technical evidence, which the jury carefully reviewed. Ultimately, Simon Law demonstrated that Gleeson’s financial losses and the need to rebuild both lots were a direct result of LaFarge’s fraudulent actions.

Business Litigation Lawsuit Outcome & Impact

The jury awarded the full amount of damages requested by Simon Law to the penny, reflecting the strength and precision of the case presented. More importantly, the award included $108.3 million in punitive damages, underscoring the jury’s condemnation of LaFarge’s conduct.

This case secured justice and full compensation for Gleeson Asphalt, as well as sent a broader message about corporate accountability in the construction industry. The verdict marks the fourth nine-figure award Simon Law has achieved in less than two years, reinforcing the firm’s reputation as one of the nation’s most successful trial law firms.

Additional Case Information

For additional information, contact Simon Law lead attorney Kevin Carnie Jr. or Simon Law attorney Patrick McPhail.

1. Press Release: Simon Law Wins $109 Million Verdict for Asphalt Company