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GREATER HOUSTON TRANSPORTATION CO., D/B/A YELLOW CAB COMPANY OF HOUSTON, INC., PETITIONER
vs.
KURT STEVEN PHILLIPS, RESPONDENT
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Issues:
Employer liability, supervisor liability, negligence, weapons
Case Summary:
Yellow Cab files an appeal seeking to reverse a lower court ruling in favor of Kurt Steven Phillips. He filed suit against the cab company after one of its drivers shot Phillips with a handgun during a minor traffic accident. Phillips claimed that Yellow Cab should be held responsible for its employee's conduct.
Decision of lower jurisdiction:
The trial court jury found the cab company negligent, in part. However, the court disregarded the jury's determination and ruled in favor of Yellow Cab. Acting on an appeal filed by Phillips, the Court of Civil Appeals reversed the trial court's decision and found Yellow Cab negligent. The cab company now appeals that court ruling to the Texas Supreme Court.
Outcome:
Yellow Cab Wins. The Texas Supreme Court reversed the decision of the appellate court. The supreme court ruled that Yellow Cab could not have foreseen its employee harming someone with a handgun.