BANGOR, Maine (AP) — A Maine judge has awarded a man more than $700,000 for injuries he suffered when he collapsed during the burning of a blueberry field.

Court documents say Michael Lund suffered injuries in March 2012 when he was working the burn for Millard A. Whitney & Son, a blueberry grower and harvester.

The documents say he suffered heat stroke during the burn, and his last conscious memory was of steam rising from his boots.

Judge William Anderson ruled that Millard A. Whitney & Son failed to provide training or education on recognizing and preventing heat illness to workers. He found that Lund was entitled to damages for pain and permanent impairment.


Millard A. Whitney & Son president David Whitney says he’s relieved Lund is recovering and he respects the court’s decision.