David Travis v. Bison Builders, Inc.
- Resolution Date:
- December 2010
- Practice Areas:
- Construction Injuries
- Synopsis:
- Defendant Bison Builders, Inc., a general contractor, was constructing a hotel in San Rafael, California. Bison hired a subcontractor to install two hydraulic elevators but did not provide a safe way for the installers to get into the building. Bison instead designated an uneven, debris-laden plywood walkway under scaffolding that was more than a foot lower than required by California’s safety laws. Plaintiff David Travis, one of the elevator installers, hit his head approximately six times over the course of a week while carrying tools and elevator parts into the building. He suffered permanent, disabling injuries to his cervical spinal cord that precluded him from returning to work as an elevator installer. Defendant contended that Travis was negligent for not paying more attention, that his injuries were not caused by hitting his head on the scaffolding and that he was exaggerating his injury. At trial, the jury determined that Bison Builders was 75% liable for Travis’ injuries, that Travis’ employer was 20% responsible, and that Travis was 5% responsible.
- Attorneys:
-
William L. Veen
Jeremy Cloyd
- Resolution:
- $11.7 Million
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