Opinion ID: 1732410
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Employment of Lawson

Text: Martin Lawson submitted to appellant Wharton an application for employment as a truck driver on May 22, 1972. That same day appellant sent Lawson to the Bridges Clinic, operated by appellee, for a pre-employment physical examination to determine if Lawson was fit to drive a truck. Passing this physical examination is a prerequisite for drivers employed by common carriers regulated by the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Department of Transportation. Lawson was accompanied to the Bridges Clinic by another Wharton employee, and when they returned, Lawson had in his possession a detailed certificate, signed on behalf of and with the approval of Dr. Bridges, stating that all physical characteristics including vision, reflexes, and extremities were normal and that Lawson was qualified to drive a motor vehicle in accordance with the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. 49 C.F.R. 391.41-391.49. Having passed the physical examination, Lawson was given a written examination by appellant and a test drive. In addition he drove on two student trips on which he was accompanied by another Wharton employee. His performance was deemed satisfactory, and on May 25 he was assigned to drive his first solo trip to Black Fork, Ohio. On his return to Memphis at approximately 4:15 a.m. on May 27, Lawson pulled off the highway, for a reason unclear from the proof, and collided with a station wagon parked off the two westbound traffic lanes, in or beyond the emergency lane of the westbound side of I-40. The automobile was occupied by Sgt. Paul Rains and his four children who had pulled off the highway to sleep. The collision resulted in severe injuries to three children, the death of one child, and minor injuries to Sgt. Rains. Lawson was unhurt. Wharton's expenses in settling the claims of the Rains family are the basis for this suit.