Details of the Incident
On the day of the accident, Landry became ill while on a job site and went to a nearby hospital. Two days later, he requested to drop off the company truck and head home, which Porter approved. Landry admitted to having consumed marijuana the night before and alcohol during his drive. He ran a stop sign and collided with the Curries’ pickup, causing severe and lasting injuries.
Charlotte Currie required a medically induced coma for a month due to the extent of her injuries, while Philip Currie’s arm injury led to a blood clot and stroke. Landry was later convicted of intoxication assault and sentenced to seven years in prison.
Implications for Employers and Safety Standards
This case underscores the responsibilities of employers in monitoring employee fitness for duty, particularly when operating company vehicles. Evidence presented during the trial highlighted Porter’s awareness of Landry’s tendencies to drink at remote job sites, raising questions about workplace safety protocols and negligent entrustment standards.
Legal experts note that employers can face substantial liability if they allow employees with known substance abuse issues to perform safety-critical tasks. This verdict serves as a cautionary example of how courts may hold companies accountable for foreseeable risks.
