Philadelphia Jury Grants $20.7 Million Verdict Against Honda for Motorcycle Gas Cap Design

A jury in Philadelphia has awarded a $20.7 million verdict against Honda Motor Company for the design flaws in the gas system of its 2014 "Grom" motorcycle. The case involved Jamal Boyd, who suffered burns over 50 percent of his body when the motorcycle's gas cap dislodged during a collision, causing gasoline to ignite.

The accident occurred when Mr. Boyd's motorcycle struck a trash truck, leading to severe thermal burns. The jury concluded that the fuel system design, specifically the press-on cap, was unsafe and contributed to the severity of Boyd's injuries. The $20.7 million awarded includes $2.7 million for non-economic damages and $18 million for pain and suffering, loss of pleasures in life, scarring, and loss of bodily function.

Larry Coben and Kila Baldwin of Anapol Weiss represented Boyd, emphasizing the need for companies to prioritize safety in their products. "This young man's life was heavily altered by the design of the Honda motorcycle he was riding," Coben noted, reinforcing the verdict as a clear message about product safety responsibilities.