Man Awarded Almost $2 Million After Getting His Thumb Caught in a BMW Door | Carscoops

      A software engineer from New York asserted that his injuries could result in up to $3 million in lost income.

      A jury awarded Godwin Boateng almost $2 million in damages last year, which includes $800,000 for past pain and $850,000 for future suffering.

      The owner contended that the soft-close doors of the BMW presented a significant safety hazard.

      BMW's efforts to overturn a jury’s verdict that granted a man $1.9 million in damages after the soft-close door of his X5 partially amputated his thumb have been unsuccessful. This case has spanned nearly a decade and has now reached its conclusion, requiring the automaker to pay after extensive legal battles.

      The German car manufacturer must now make the payment, despite arguing that individuals should be aware not to put their hands in the way of closing doors.

      What Happened?

      It has been almost ten years since Godwin Boateng from New York lost the tip of his right thumb in July 2016. At that time, he was resting his hand on the door pillar of his 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i Sport, with the door slightly open. As it closed, the soft-close feature activated and severed the tip of his finger.

      BMW inspected the vehicle and later determined that the soft-close door mechanism had no defects, denying any liability for the injuries incurred. Nevertheless, Boateng sued the German company, alleging he could lose up to $3 million in wages due to the loss of his thumb tip.

      In mid-2024, the case proceeded to trial, where a jury awarded the X5 owner $1.9 million in damages. This amount included $800,000 for past pain and suffering, $850,000 for future pain and suffering, and approximately $255,000 for past lost wages.

      In his lawsuit, Boateng argued that BMW’s soft-close doors were hazardous since, unlike the side windows, they did not have sensors to detect obstructions.

      BMW's Appeal Attempts Fail

      According to Car Complaints, BMW requested a new trial following the verdict, but the district court denied the motion. The automaker then brought its case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in hopes of a reversal, but that attempt was also unsuccessful.

      The appellate court upheld the original jury's decision, stating that BMW had committed “deceptive omission” by failing to inform customers about the risks of placing their hands in the door’s path.