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Subtle's Dax Pierson Wins $18.3 Million in Ford Lawsuit

12:49 p.m. · May 29, 2009 · by Andrew Winistorfer

In 2005, Subtle's van rolled over in Iowa, injuring the band and paralyzing keyboardist Dax Pierson after his seat broke loose from the floor and he hit his neck and head on the ceiling. Pierson is still in the band in a musical capacity--he created some music for the band's latest album, Exiting ARM--but he faces a life of mounting medical bills.

Pierson sued Ford, the maker of Subtle's E-350 van, a while ago for negligence, since if his seat had stayed on the floor, he wouldn't have been injured. Ford alleged that the van's driver, Subtle's manager Patrick Scott, was speeding, so that's why the accident happened, but a San Francisco jury awarded Pierson $18.3 million in damages, including $12.3 million for medical costs and $6 million for pain and suffering. 

Since the accident, there have been multiple benefit shows to raise money for Pierson's medical bills, but the lawsuit should help Pierson in the future. [Pitchfork]