HOUSTON - Yesterday, the 14th Court of Appeals affirmed a $12 million verdict against New Prime in a lawsuit alleging one of its drivers caused an automobile collision.
The lawsuit was brought by Christine John and Christopher Lewis back in 2014 and named New Prime and Roberto Alonzo as defendants.
According to the 14th Court’s opinion, Alonzo, while in the course and scope of employment for New Prime, was driving a tractor-trailer on Interstate 45 when he rear-ended a sedan containing John and Lewis.
John and Lewis claimed that Alonzo’s negligence in rear-ending their car caused their injuries and alleged that New Prime negligently entrusted, trained, supervised, and retained Alonzo.
New Prime and Alonzo conceded liability, and a jury awarded John and Lewis more than $12 million in damages for physical pain and mental anguish, the opinion states.
The trial court signed a final judgment consistent with the jury’s verdict, court records show.
On appeal, New Prime and Alonzo challenged the trial court’s judgment, complaining about errors during voir dire and closing arguments, the admission of evidence, and the sufficiency of the evidence.
The 14th Court affirmed the trial court’s judgment with Justice Ken Wise dissenting.
“I agree with the majority’s resolution of all issues except the sufficiency challenges to the jury’s award of $300,000 to Christopher Lewis for mental anguish,” Wise wrote. “I would hold that the evidence is legally insufficient. Because the majority does not, I respectfully dissent.”
Appeal case No. 14-20-00148-CV