Wrongful Death Court Holds ArcelorMittal Contractor WBHOSC Liable for Over 2 Million in Damages.

The 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, has handed down a landmark ruling against ArcelorMittal Liberia’s major contractor, Westwood Group Holdings Overseas Subcontractor (WBHOSC), holding the company liable for the wrongful death of a young Liberian, awarding over US2 million in damages. Presiding Resident Judge  Pape S. Suah ruled in favor of the estate of the late Prince Gbeanqan, who was killed on August 11, 2024, when a WBHOSC vehicle hauling another vehicle struck and dragged him to his death in Ganta, Nimba County.

The ruling awarded the Plaintiff US1.5 million in general damages, LD195,000 in special damages, and US$500,000 in consequential damages. The case was filed by Mrs. Joretha Kehzie Quoi, the Administratrix of the late Prince Gbeanqan’s estate, through legal counsel Cllr. Lawrence Suah and Atty. Samwar S. Fah. The complaint contained 17 counts including wrongful death, emotional distress, and other damages. Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage reportedly showed the WBHOSC truck dragging Gbeanqan after a motorcycle accident near God’s Willing Gas Station. The Plaintiff claimed the company failed to assist the family, despite promises made during their visit.

Efforts to serve the court’s Writ of Summons on WBHOSC failed as company staff in Yekepa allegedly refused to accept the document. The court then approved service by publication in national newspapers, as per Liberian law. Only first Defendant Ayres Dan appeared and admitted to the facts, while the main Defendant, WBHOSC, failed to appear. Based on the Plaintiff’s evidence, including witnesses and CCTV footage, the court granted a default judgment. In final remarks, Judge Suah noted the Plaintiff met the legal burden of proof and proved the case with credible evidence. The court cited preponderance of evidence including summons, publications, documents, and testimonies, leading to the ruling.

Author: Melvin Jackson