Learn how a Michigan jury awarded a historic $896 million verdict in a catastrophic test track case and why trial preparation and corporate accountability matter.
By Marko Law
Most lawsuits end quietly.
Most never see the inside of a courtroom.
This wasn't one of those cases.
After weeks of testimony and years of litigation, an Oakland County jury returned an $896.5 million verdict in a catastrophic wrongful death case arising from a vehicle demonstration at Continental's test track in Auburn Hills, Michigan—a verdict believed to be among the largest personal injury and wrongful death verdicts in Michigan history. (View Full Verdict Form)
For attorney Jon Marko, the verdict represents something much larger than a number.
It represents accountability.
The case centered on a tragic incident during a vehicle demonstration event at Continental's proving grounds in Auburn Hills.
According to publicly reported court filings and news coverage, a test vehicle struck members of a family attending the event, causing catastrophic injuries and the deaths of two young children. The lawsuit alleged serious failures involving safety planning and the conduct of the demonstration.
Few civil cases involve losses this profound.
No verdict can undo what happened.
But the civil justice system exists for one reason:
To hold people and corporations accountable when preventable tragedies occur.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the case wasn't simply the verdict.
It was what happened before the verdict.
According to Courtroom View Network, the defense made a zero-dollar settlement offer, forcing the case to proceed to trial despite the enormous risks involved.
That decision placed the facts squarely before twelve Michigan jurors.
After hearing weeks of testimony, reviewing evidence, and evaluating the conduct of the parties, the jury spoke with unmistakable clarity.
Their verdict:
Cases like this are about far more than compensation.
They shape corporate behavior.
Large verdicts send a message that safety cannot become secondary to convenience, schedules, or cost savings.
Whether the defendant is:
the law requires reasonable care to protect people from preventable harm.
When that duty is ignored, the consequences can be enormous.
Many law firms advertise settlements.
Few actually try cases.
Trial lawyers understand something important:
Insurance companies and large corporations evaluate every settlement demand based on one question:
"Will this lawyer actually take us to trial?"
That reputation matters.
Preparing every case as though it will be presented to a jury often changes the conversation long before trial begins.
But when trial becomes necessary...
Preparation becomes everything.
Although every lawsuit is unique, this case illustrates several important principles that appear repeatedly in catastrophic injury litigation.
Complex cases require extensive investigation, expert testimony, engineering analysis, corporate discovery, and accident reconstruction.
Large organizations have legal responsibilities that extend beyond individual employees.
Policies.
Training.
Safety procedures.
Supervision.
When those systems fail, the consequences can be devastating.
Cases involving life-changing injuries often become battles of experts, evidence, and credibility.
Jurors expect lawyers who are prepared.
Preparation matters.
Michigan juries have repeatedly demonstrated that they take public safety seriously.
When presented with credible evidence and compelling testimony, jurors have shown they are willing to hold even the largest corporations accountable.
This verdict joins a growing list of significant Michigan jury decisions emphasizing accountability over convenience.
Most injury cases will never result in verdicts approaching this size.
But the lesson remains the same.
If you've suffered catastrophic injuries because another person or company failed to act responsibly, you deserve lawyers who prepare every case thoroughly—not attorneys hoping for a quick settlement.
Whether the case involves:
the quality of preparation often determines the outcome.
At Marko Law, we believe the courtroom remains one of the most important places in our justice system.
It is where evidence replaces assumptions.
Where corporations answer difficult questions.
Where ordinary citizens decide extraordinary cases.
And where accountability still matters.
This historic verdict is a reminder that when the evidence supports it—and when lawyers are willing to see a case through—a jury can speak louder than any settlement offer ever could.
You only get one opportunity to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Whether your case involves a catastrophic injury, wrongful death, trucking accident, defective product, or another act of negligence, Marko Law prepares every case with trial in mind.
Because most firms settle.
We prepare for trial.
We Will Help You!
Get in touch with a real person 24/7/365.
If you’re a law firm owner and want help optimizing your practice for success, please email jon@markolaw.com
Historias reales. Resultados reales. Desde indemnizaciones por lesiones personales hasta victorias en derechos civiles, nuestros clientes confían en Marko Law para obtener justicia cuando más importa. Escuche lo que dicen personas de todo Michigan sobre su experiencia con nuestro equipo legal.
"Lo recomendamos encarecidamente a cualquier empresa que busque mejorar su eficiencia y rentabilidad."
.svg)
"Lo recomendamos encarecidamente a cualquier empresa que busque mejorar su eficiencia y rentabilidad."
"Lo recomendamos encarecidamente a cualquier empresa que busque mejorar su eficiencia y rentabilidad."
"Lo recomendamos encarecidamente a cualquier empresa que busque mejorar su eficiencia y rentabilidad."
"Lo recomendamos encarecidamente a cualquier empresa que busque mejorar su eficiencia y rentabilidad."
Good evening, gentlemen! Just wanted to pop in and give a big shoutout to the Marko Law squad. Gasper was an absolute assassin in the best possible way — and trust me, that’s a high compliment coming from me. In a world full of soft millennials, this guy is built different. John Eads & Gasper tag-teamed those negotiations like champs, especially with a mediator and attorney who were… let’s just say “extra spicy” with a side of confusion. Either way, I wanted to send some love and let you know I’ll be sending clients your way for the foreseeable future.
.png)
Alex Kay is absolutely a hell of a lawyer! He is compassionate and very thorough at his job! This process was a absolute breeze 🙌
.png)
I’ve been working with attorney Michael Jones for the past two years and I can honestly say I couldn’t have asked for a more dedicated or determined attorney. He has never given up on my case and continues to fight hard to make sure justice is served. He truly cares about his clients and it shows in everything he does. I’m so grateful for his commitment, integrity, and perseverance. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer who will stand by you every step of the way.
Michael Jones and his team have been nothing but kind courteous and very knowledgeable on any question that I have had this far. They always answer my questions and walk me through this process. I would recommend Marko law and Michael and his assistant Dae to anyone who needs a outstanding law firm
From intake through the entire process to date, Michael Jones and his team have been doing an excellent job representing me, and are a credit to their law firm, Jon Marco Law! The interactions and timely responses to my questions and requests have given me true faith in their ability to represent me during my case. I truly feel I could not be better represented anywhere else. Thank you Jon Marko law and Thank you Michael and Dae for all you are doing. 03/2026
Marko’s law firm truly has a great team ! Kyla in medical records is very comforting and pays great attention to detail!
I just wanted to offer some positive feedback regarding the receptionist who answers the phone. In my interactions with Melody, I found her to be very polite, cheerful and empathetic. She went above and beyond to assist me in navigating your corporate structure to ensure that I could talk directly to the person who could best help me. Due to her assistance, my issue was successfully resolved.
In my opinion, if injured in an auto accident, this is "The Best Ever Law Firm!" Marko Law is excellent! My case was handled very well! I appreciate the time Alex Kay spent with me to ensure I received the maximum payout for my case! His assistant/Paralegal Tracey was also great in handling everything Alex needed to close my case etc. Alex Kay is an awesome attorney and family man! I recommend Alex Kay and Marko Law to everyone who needs a tried and trusted Law Firm! They are the real deal if you need a maximum payout from your case! Special thanks to Jon Marko, Alex Kay, and Tracey! Kudos to everyone on the Marko Law Team!
Working with Marko Law Firm has been a superb experience! Alex Kay has done a phenomenal job handling my case thus far, and his expertise has made a stressful situation feel much less daunting. I've never dealt with a lawsuit before and he's been nothing but attentive and informative throughout the process. I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with him and hopefully things will continue to go smoothly with my suit.
Ariel Kellersohn is the best in business. If you want a lawyer who dedicates herself to your case, you have found the right place. Ariel goes above and beyond all expectations I had. Not only does she uphold herself to the highest standards of professionalism, she is also very personable and easy to talk to and makes you feel confident in your legal team. 10/10 if I could leave more than 5 stars I would!
Having Marko law handle my case was the best decision I made. Alex Kay was excellent he understood what I have been through and fought for me every step of the way. Alex dedication, hard work, and experience guided my case to a successful settlement. I can’t thank Marko Law enough for what they done for me. I would recommend them for any legal support you need.
Reno Arabo. What a fantastic experience I had working with the firm. You were extremely helpful. You made me feel like you cared about me and not about making money. The communication was amazing was amazing. You kept me informed and updated on all aspects of my case. You asked me questions and listened to what I thought instead of telling me what to do. I would 100% recommend you and your fund. 06/2026
They fight for the little guy. The process is generally hard, very hard, and mentally exhausting, but Marko and his phenomenal attorney Cait bring a lot of ease in that process. And WIN! Cait is straight up, honest of the risks and potential outcomes and such and fighter.
Great hard working firm that fights hard for their clients. Jon and his team are knowledgeable, dedicated and great people all around. Their results speak for themselves! Hire Marko!
Thank you Jonathan Marko! You took my case and never let me down from day one! I recommend Marko Law; you will not regret it! Jonathan Marko is the most amazing Lawyer ever! The law firm is honest, fair, consistent, hard working and very nice! Thank you again! 1/18/2022
I've know Jon Marko for years and he is simply the best. He has helped friends and family through tough times and I would trust him with any legal issue, considering that everyone I know that has hired him has had extremely favorable outcomes.
The Ernst and Marko Law firm has an amazing group of attorneys and staff that will make sure they give each and every client the personalized legal advice they need! They will fight for their clients to make justice is served! I highly recommend this firm! 4/02/2017
Marko Law is a breath of fresh air. They're responsive, they care and they get the job done. They have great communication which means you never feel out of the loop. Most of all they work hard until they get the outcome necessary. Love Marko and his team! 1/19/2022
Attorney Jon Marko is one of the finest attorneys I have ever had the opportunity to work with. His experience and calm courtroom demeanor leaves him unmatched, and makes him a truly aggressive advocate for his clients. 5/12/2016
The world needs more protectors like Jon Marko from police brutality. He was kind, generous, and reassuring when I spoke to him. Thank you for being a defender of the every man because it's the right thing to do.
He was my attorney and couldn't of asked for a more aggressive and down to earth eager ATTORNEY! If you want a lawyer that will WIN then Jon Marko is the Man to call! I highly recommend him and we spoke whenever needed! Thank you again MARKO u were awesome:) 5/27/2020
I've been working here for three years and I can honestly say Jon Marko is a very passionate attorney with whom I'd trust a case with. He is honest, hard working and one of the smartest men I know. Wish I could give more than five stars! 8/12/2020
Ernst and Marko is a firm that fights for the people. I have known Jon Marko for ten years and worked with him in civil litigation and an excessive force case. He is an aggressive and tireless advocate who fights for his clients to get them justice. 5/12/2016
John Marko handled my son's case wonderfully. He worked for us for 6 years to get my son the best settlement outcome. I highly recommend Marko Law.
Jon Marko represented me in a lawsuit. He is extremely smart, hardworking, and dedicated to his clients. I'm an attorney myself so I understand what is required of an exceptional attorney. You will not be disappointed if you hire him and his firm to represent you!
Marko Law exemplifies professionalism and diligence even when taking on the most laborious cases. Their impressive performance is reassuring when handling such significant and critical issues. You truly feel protected and secure when handing Marko law your vulnerability. They will always fight to protect your rights. 5/12/2021
En Marko Law, no solo aceptamos casos: tomamos partido. Ya sea que te enfrentes a una lesión, una injusticia o una negligencia evidente, nuestro equipo lucha como si fuera algo personal, porque para ti, lo es.
¿Listo para hacer valer su voz?
No estamos aquí para perder el tiempo. Estamos aquí para ganar.
