Alabama High Court Tosses $1M Verdict Against Auto Parts Maker

The Alabama Supreme Court is ordering a new trial in a lawsuit that resulted in a more than $1 million judgment against an auto parts manufacturer.

The justices on Friday sided with Guyoungtech USA, Inc. It makes parts in Conecuh County for the Hyundai automotive factory near Montgomery.

Elaine Dees sued the company in 2011 saying she was wrongfully fired after injuring her left arm at work. The company argues she was only laid off because of a workforce reduction.

A jury agreed with Dees and awarded her $3.5 million. A judge later reduced the judgment to $1.1 million, but the company still appealed.

The Supreme Court agreed the Guyoungtech and ordered a new trial. It says a lower court shouldn’t allow evidence about business practices that didn’t affect Dees.