Judge Dismisses Wrongful Death Suit Filed by Family of Employee, 19, Crushed to Death by Thousands of Lbs. of Lumber

A wrongful death lawsuit regarding the tragic demise of James Lee Stanback, a 19-year-old who died in July 2021, has been dismissed by a Minnesota judge. Stanback was killed when a stack of lumber fell on him while he was operating a forklift at a Menards store in Golden Valley. His mother, Meghan Klein, filed the complaint in Hennepin County District Court, outlining allegations of unsafe working conditions and inadequate training prior to the incident.

Stanback had been employed at Menards for only a month, primarily intended to work there over the summer before embarking on his college journey. “He was just starting out in life and didn’t get a chance,” Klein expressed. Her grief has persisted since the loss of her son, whom she described as an “exceptional young man” who “filled every room with rays of light and happiness.”

The lawsuit stemmed from accusations that the lumber was stacked excessively high, which created an unstable environment within the store’s lumberyard. It was claimed that this perilous setup was exacerbated by Stanback operating the forklift under conditions that exceeded safe load limits. The complaint cited that the weight of the lumber involved ranged from 9,300 to 12,000 pounds, significantly surpassing what was considered safe for the equipment’s safety cage.

Furthermore, it was contended in the complaint that Stanback was not given adequate supervision while operating the forklift, raising concerns about his lack of experience and training during the critical time of the incident. Allegations were also made detailing that the company’s employees experienced pressure from contractors to hastily complete tasks; as a result, new recruits like Stanback were rushed through their training and given minimal oversight.

The lawsuit claimed that the negligence of both the company and several co-workers led to what was described as Stanback’s “tragic, premature and wrongful death.” It aimed to hold Menards accountable for the conditions that ultimately contributed to the fatal accident.

However, the judge overseeing the case, Joseph R. Klein of the Minnesota Fourth Judicial District Court, dismissed all claims made by the Stanback family in a ruling delivered on February 17. He stated that the allegations presented did not sufficiently demonstrate that Menards had intentionally caused harm to Stanback, which is a legal prerequisite for pursuing damages beyond standard workers’ compensation benefits.

Moreover, Judge Klein noted that the claim against Stanback’s co-workers lacked adequate assertions of gross negligence or intentional harm on their part. He reaffirmed that, in general, the responsibility for maintaining safe working conditions lies with the employer rather than individual employees.

Neither Stanback’s family attorney nor representatives from Menards provided immediate comments when approached for a statement regarding the court’s decision.

In the wake of this tragic incident, a GoFundMe page was established by Stanback’s mother shortly after his death. On this platform, she reflected on her son’s character, highlighting his record of achievement and enthusiasm for work. Her touching tribute noted, “Anything he put his mind to he accomplished,” underscoring the profound impact his short life had on those around him.

James Lee Stanback’s story serves as a catalyst for ongoing discussions about workplace safety, training standards, and the responsibilities of employers to ensure the welfare of their employees, particularly those who are new to their roles. The court’s decision adds to a complex narrative regarding the culpability of businesses in tragic workplace incidents. As the legal proceedings conclude, the echoes of Stanback’s life and untimely death continue to resonate within his community and beyond.