October 18, 2023 – Kern County Superior Court, Kern County, CA
Mr. Borncamp of Yukevich Cavanaugh obtained a defense verdict for a trucking company, Estenson Logistics (operating as Hub Group) in a jury trial involving a $48 million claim related to a dock worker's injuries during a loading incident. The case centered around allegations that the worker was seriously injured due to the improper parking of a trailer, creating a dangerous gap between the dock and the trailer. Despite video surveillance at the scene, crucial footage was not preserved, complicating the plaintiff's case. The incident occurred at a Bakersfield Home Depot, where the plaintiff suffered significant injuries after falling into the gap. The plaintiff's legal team, led by Brian L. Poulter and Blake Burtchaell, argued negligence in training and safety practices by Estenson Logistics. Borncamp highlighted the plaintiff's failure to utilize a specialized ramp designed to prevent such accidents, pointed to an obstructed work area as a contributing factor, and identified other unsafe actions by the Plaintiff as the cause of his injuries. The defense's effective strategy led to a favorable verdict for Estenson Logistics, with Poulter acknowledging Yukevich Cavanaugh's adept handling of the defense. The plaintiff's team has filed an appeal.