Grey v. George Hyman, Inc.

Facts: Plaintiff was an employee of Owl Crane and Rigging who suffered a severe right arm injury during the buildup of a 165 ton truck crane during the construction of a new state office building in downtown Los Angeles. Plaintiff claimed that defendants Herrick Company (the steel contractor) and George Hyman, Inc. (general contractor) failed to provide a safe place to work and that as a result he suffered the severe arm injury which was the subject of this litigation tried to verdict in the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Contentions: Plaintiff contended that the general contractor and structural steel contractor were negligent for failing to provide adequate lighting, traffic control devices, and an even roadway work surface for the buildup of the truck crane. Plaintiff further contended that these failings on the part of the contractors violated certain provisions of the General Industry Safety Orders of the State of California. The crush injury to plaintiff's right forearm required reconstructive surgery, limiting plaintiff to light work. Total medical expenses, paid by Workers Compensation, were approximately $51,000.

Trial Attorney for Plaintiff: James P. Carr

Opposing Counsel: Herrick Corp. was represented by Allen Gooding of Galvin & Brewer; George Hyman, Inc. was represented by Rodney Tucker of Tucker & Lovich.

Plaintiff’s Technical Expert: Gerry Hildreth, Construction Safety; Harvey Cohen, Human Factors; Randy Sherman, M.D., Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery; Raymond Schultz, Ph.D., Economist.

Demand, Offer and Verdict: Plaintiff demanded $1 million with waiver of Workers Compensation lien. George Hyman offered $10,000. Herrick Corporation offered $75,000, raised to $300,000 prior to closing argument and $500,000 while jury out. Verdict: $1,749,772 gross.