Opinion ID: 2618356
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Negligent Exercise of Retained Control

Text: We have determined that there was sufficient evidence to support the jury verdict regarding Riebe's retention of control under § 414. The only issue remaining concerning the jury's verdict is whether there is sufficient evidence to support the jury's finding that Riebe exercised its retained control negligently. Neither party addressed this issue, focusing instead on the issue of retained control. However, there is evidence of negligence in the record. Cecil Hickman, Lewis' expert witness, testified that under recognized industry safety standards, Lewis should not have been allowed to walk anywhere where the pieces of plywood were not adequately secured. The jury may have concluded either that Smith negligently instructed Garges' employees to use the 2 X 4 method or that Smith negligently failed to exercise his safety authority and prevent Lewis from working on the roof while the plywood was being removed with the 2 X 4 method. In either instance, we find that there is sufficient evidence in the record from which the jury may have concluded that Riebe negligently exercised its retained control.