Gant is No Longer: Illinois Supreme Court Holds Direct Negligence Claims Against Trucking Company Appropriate Even Where Company Admits Vicarious Liability

In a landmark decision, the Illinois Supreme Court has reshaped the landscape for the trucking industry by allowing plaintiffs to pursue direct negligence claims against trucking companies, even when those companies admit vicarious liability for their employees. This ruling, stemming from the case McQueen v. Green, challenges the long-standing McHaffie rule and opens the door for separate claims related to negligent hiring, supervision, and retention. With significant implications for employers, this decision underscores the importance of accountability in the trucking sector. Discover how this ruling could impact your business and the legal landscape moving forward.

Illinois Supreme Court to Decide Viability and Scope of Gant: Negligent Training Claims Against Employers for Employee’s Motor Vehicle Accident

The Illinois Supreme Court is set to make a pivotal decision regarding negligent training claims against employers in the wake of a significant case, McQueen v. Pan-Oceanic Engineering. This case challenges the established precedent set by Gant, as it explores whether an employer can be held liable for failing to train an employee, even if the employee is not found negligent in an accident. The outcome could reshape the landscape of trucking and transportation litigation, potentially leading to an increase in claims and heightened scrutiny of training programs. Discover the implications of this landmark case and what it means for employers.

Illinois Supreme Court to Decide Viability and Scope of Gant: Negligent Training Claims Against Employers for Employee’s Motor Vehicle Accident

In McQueen v. Pan-Oceanic Engineering Co., Inc., the plaintiff sued both a truck driver for negligence and the employer for vicarious liability, as well as for independent claims of negligent and reckless training. Although Pan-Oceanic admitted responsibility for the driver’s conduct, the jury found the driver not negligent yet imposed liability on Pan-Oceanic for failing to properly train the driver, awarding both compensatory and punitive damages; the trial court upheld the verdicts as legally consistent. On appeal, the Illinois Appellate Court reversed, holding that under Gant an employer cannot be held liable for negligent training where the employee is found not negligent, rejecting the plaintiff’s argument that negligent training claims are analytically distinct from negligent hiring and retention and remanding the matter for further proceedings.