SHERMAN - A trucking company is being sued for negligent hiring and supervision after one of its employees assaulted a man with a sledgehammer.
Kenneth J. Bowman and Kaye Frances Bowman filed suit against Gary Wayne Manders and Celadon Trucking on Aug. 15 in Hopkins County District Court. The defendant removed the case to the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division.
The incident occurred on Sept. 29, 2009, when Manders allegedly assaulted Kenneth Bowman with a sledgehammer while on the premises of the Pilot Truck Stop facility in Sulphur Springs. At the time of the assault, defendant Manders was an employee of Celadon Trucking.
Defendant Manders is accused of assault and battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Defendant Celadon Trucking is accused of negligence in the hiring and supervision of Manders. According to court documents, Manders was a threat to anyone he encountered due to his criminal history.
The Bowmans are seeking damages for physical pain, mental anguish, medical expenses, physical impairment, loss of consortium and services and punitive damages.
The plaintiffs are represented by Sulphur Springs attorney Chad Cable.
U.S. District Judge Richard A. Schell is assigned to the case.
Case No. 4:11-cv-00627