Detroit, Michigan — A federal jury has cleared PetSmart Inc. of liability in a case stemming from a 2020 incident involving a workplace assault. The verdict, delivered on Friday, assigned full responsibility to a store manager for an altercation that left a customer injured and claiming psychological harm.
The jury’s decision resulted from a trial that examined a confrontation between the store manager, Krista Aurand, and customer Iza Noor. The incident occurred on November 17, 2020, during a disagreement over the pricing of dog toys at a Chesterfield location. Following about an hour of deliberation, jurors found that PetSmart was not liable for Aurand’s actions, despite Noor’s request for more than $1.5 million in damages.
Noor claimed that the altercation not only resulted in physical injuries, including broken glasses, but also led to post-traumatic stress disorder. The jury ultimately awarded her $5,000. The rapid conclusion to the deliberations was notable, as it underscored the jury’s unanimous determination about the employer’s lack of responsibility in this case.
Legal experts suggest that the verdict could set a significant precedent for retail companies facing similar claims of vicarious liability. The resolution highlights the existing boundaries of employer accountability for employees’ actions that fall outside their job responsibilities.
The implications of this verdict reach beyond PetSmart; they could influence how retail chains manage legal risks associated with employee conduct in the workplace. The decision may serve as a reference point in future cases where an employee’s misconduct occurs during off-duty hours or under circumstances unrelated to their employment duties.
As businesses navigate employee misconduct issues, this case illustrates the challenges of proving employer liability, particularly when incidents arise from personal disputes rather than professional obligation.
This outcome not only brings closure to this particular case but also provides clarity on the extent to which companies can be held responsible for their employees’ actions during work hours. The verdict may have lasting effects on corporate policies and procedures in similar retail environments.
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