Verdict holds Cummings Electrical accountable for unsafe workplace gathering; believed to be second-largest jury verdict in county history
DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A Kaufman County jury has awarded $10.45 million to plaintiff Felissa Gamero, finding Cummings Electrical, L.P., and its employees negligent in connection with a shooting that occurred during a company-sponsored business event on April 29, 2023. The verdict is believed to be the second largest in Kaufman County history.
Jurors found that Cummings Electrical failed to provide adequate supervision, proper event planning, and safe premises conditions, leading to Mrs. Gamero’s serious hand injuries.
Mrs. Gamero was invited to participate in a corporate event at the Cornerstone Ranch in Kaufman County that included organized activities involving firearms. During the event, a Cummings Electrical employee discharged a 9mm handgun, striking Mrs. Gamero in the hand and causing severe, permanent injuries requiring surgery, continuing medical treatment, and resulting in lasting physical and emotional trauma.
The jury answered “yes” on two key liability questions: whether negligence by Cummings Electrical caused Mrs. Gamero’s injuries, and whether a dangerous condition on the premises, also attributable to negligence, caused those injuries.
“I’m grateful to the jury for listening carefully to the evidence and recognizing that what happened to me should never have occurred,” Mrs. Gamero said. “This verdict validates my experience, and I hope it sends a message to other companies that they must take safety seriously when they invite employees and guests to participate in activities involving firearms.”
The $10.45 million award reflects the full scope of Mrs. Gamero’s injuries and future needs. The jury awarded:
- $4 million for pain and suffering
- $3 million for physical impairment
- $2.5 million for mental anguish
- $200,000 for past disfigurement
- $150,000 for past loss of earning capacity
- $500,000 for future loss of earning capacity
- $100,000 for future medical expenses
“This verdict represents a significant validation of Felissa’s experience and the serious failures in judgment by Cummings Electrical,” said C. Gregory Shamoun, founding partner of Shamoun & Norman, LLP. “Cummings allowed participants to shoot at pistol targets within seven hundred yards of a down range shotgun station, where Mrs. Gamero was directed to be, separated only by trees, hills, and vegetation. Then, the defendants tried to argue that the projectile that hit Mrs. Gamero came from another property.” Mr. Shamoun also argued at trial that Cummings representatives attempted to mislead law enforcement officials who were investigating the mishap about the type of ammunition used to avoid responsibility for the plaintiff’s injuries.
Shamoun & Norman, LLP is a Dallas-based litigation firm focusing on complex personal injury and employment and business disputes. The firm represents individuals and companies in high stakes matters involving significant damages and novel legal issues. With offices in Farmers Branch, Texas, the firm has a long track record of successful trial results and negotiated resolutions.
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