Peter Davis, 61, worked for the St. Paul Regional Water Services Department for over 40 years before he retired. He was working for a subcontractor when he was crushed to death by a loaded dump truck backing up at a construction site on Wabasha Street North, just south of 7th Street East in downtown St. Paul.

Several serious failures on the defendant's part were uncovered during the investigation into the case on behalf of Peter's wife, Kristi Davis. Topping the list:

Drug Use: The truck driver involved in the fatal accident tested “presumptive positive” for both cocaine and THC (marijuana) after a urine draw at Regions Hospital. The use of controlled substances prohibited the driver from operating a commercial vehicle while performing safety-sensitive functions.

Cover-Up: Litigation revealed the defense intentionally destroyed critical evidence and violated federal drug testing protocols.

Safety Failures: We alleged that Defendants failed to adequately train the driver, developed no written backup plan, did not use a spotter, and improperly installed a backup alarm. We also uncovered a history of backing accidents that the Defendant failed to address.

When presented with overwhelming evidence of negligence, the defendant and its insurance company agreed to an $8.5 million settlement rather than proceed to trial. With money set aside in annuities designed specifically for personal injury settlements, the total payout is $10 million.

Davis grew up in North St. Paul and was living in Stillwater, Minn., at the time of his death. He was highly regarded by his coworkers at St. Paul Regional Water Services, where he had a reputation for hard work, dedication, and mentorship. He and his wife, Kristi, were married for 35 years and raised two daughters and three grandchildren.