Trucking Company Hit with $11.2 Million Verdict in Corporate Negligence Case

Premises Liability

Eldon Loeser v. Nor-Cal Beverage Company (Yolo County Superior Court No. CV2021-2144): On April 10, 2024 a jury entered a verdict of $11.2 million in favor of Plaintiff Eldon Loeser and against defendant Nor-Cal Beverage Company in a premises liability matter involving claims of corporate negligence. Plaintiff is a 69-year-old truck driver who was delivering goods to Nor Cal’s facility in West Sacramento. While maneuvering his 53-foot truck to back into Nor-Cal’s loading dock, he crossed over double yellow lines and parked against traffic. While opening up the back of his truck, a vehicle struck his door, causing catastrophic physical injury to him including traumatic brain injury. Plaintiff argued corporate negligence, alleging that the facility was inadequate to accommodate large trailer, which required them to park in dangerous conditions on the public roadway. Plaintiff also alleged that no safety protocols were in place by the facility to help mitigate the possibility of such accidents. Defense argued that plaintiff violated multiple vehicle code provisions, and that plaintiff failed to survey his surroundings before opening the door. A jury found defendant 70 percent at fault and attributed the remaining 30 percent fault to plaintiff. Plaintiff was represented by Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP. Defendant was represented by Kidd Carr LLP.