Sperl v. C.H. Robinson Worldwide 

(Court opinion corrected 4/22/11.) Jury verdict against Defendant company for $23.775 million for death of two persons and severe injuries of one person in multi-car collision with tractor-trailer. Court properly found that principal-agent relationship existed between Defendant company and truck driver, as company owned the load of potatoes driver was hauling, and controlled method of payment and manner of driver's work performance, including imposition of fines if driver did not arrive at company's warehouse within certain time. Given agency relationship, company was entirely liable for driver's negligent conduct. Company's ability to seek contribution from contract carrier, given carrier's relationship with driver, does not reduce company's liability for Plaintiffs' damages. (HOLDRIDGE and McDADE, concurring.)