A prominent cable company must pay $7 billion in punitive damages by a Dallas, Texas, jury for issues related to the company’s employment screening process. According to the plaintiffs, these issues resulted in negligently hiring a field technician who later murdered a customer in her home.

This case revolves around the actions of a technician who pled guilty and is serving a life sentence for murdering an elderly customer. The technician went to the victim’s home to repair a fax machine, then returned the following day, claiming the need for further repairs before stabbing the victim.

The award came in the second phase of the trial after additional evidence revealed that the cable company used forged documents to try and force the plaintiffs into using arbitration instead of a jury trial. The jury had already awarded the plaintiffs $375 million in compensatory damages. The cable company must pay 90% of the award, and the field technician is responsible for 10%. 

The plaintiffs’ complaint stated that the cable company had discontinued an employee screening program used by the previous owner. Evidence in the case indicated past jobs have fired the technician for forgery, falsifying documents, and harassing coworkers. Additionally, the plaintiffs complained that the company failed to properly examine the worker’s listed employment history on his job application, which he fabricated to cover “red flags.”

According to the plaintiffs, the company would not have hired the worker if either of these screenings had been performed. In addition to the lack of screening, the cable company continued to allow the technician to enter customers’ homes after he told the company that he had severe financial and personal problems.

As a result of these alleged actions, the victim’s family accused the company of negligent hiring and supervision. In finding it guilty, the jurors chose to award exemplary damages as an additional penalty, resulting in the previously mentioned $7 billion in damages.

The employer has already announced that it disagrees with the verdict and intends to appeal. Regardless, this ruling clearly indicates the importance of conducting thorough background checks to ensure the safety of customers and employees. Being detailed with background checks also acts as a strong defense against allegations of liability resulting from negligent hiring in the case of employee misconduct.

Pre-employ makes background checks easy and reliable. Speak with a compliance expert today.

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