A US county jury awarded a couple over USD3.2 million after a three-day personal-injury trial involving a forklift incident.

According to the Daily Record, Joseph and Pamela Armato sued 1100 Services, a trade contractor, in May 2006 for the injuries Joseph suffered at its facility.

Court records showed a 1100 Services employee was using a forklift to move a large drum at the Kansas City facility when the drum fell from the forklift and hit the plaintiff.

Armato told the court he injured his neck, head, back and spine, resulting in partial paralysis.

Armato's lawsuit claimed the forklift driver did not take adequate safety precautions in securing the drum and failed to keep a careful lookout.

He sought awards for past and future medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. His wife sued for loss of companionship.

The jury awarded USD2.91 million to Joseph Armato and USD291,000 to his wife, reduced from USD3 million and USD300,000 respectively after jurors determined Armato was 3% at fault.