Publication
Workplace Word® – December 2011
Employers Beware: The Risks of Negligent Hiring
In 2005, a cable repairman visited a young man’s home to conduct Internet service repairs. Upon entering the home, the repairman assaulted and eventually killed the young man. The repairman was later convicted of first-degree murder. Now, the young man’s family is asserting a civil lawsuit against the company that employed the repairman, as well as the company’s subcontractor. The lawsuit claims that the company, and its subcontractor, negligently hired the repairman by failing to conduct an adequate background check before offering him employment. Had they performed an adequate screening, the lawsuit alleges, they would have found the repairman had 12 prior felony convictions and therefore the company should not have allowed the repairman to visit customers’ private homes.
About Snell & Wilmer
Founded in 1938, Snell & Wilmer is a full-service business law firm with more than 500 attorneys practicing in 16 locations throughout the United States and in Mexico, including Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego, California; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; Washington, D.C.; Boise, Idaho; Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Portland, Oregon; Dallas, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; Seattle, Washington; and Los Cabos, Mexico. The firm represents clients ranging from large, publicly traded corporations to small businesses, individuals and entrepreneurs. For more information, visit swlaw.com.
