Cates v. Ruggles Sign Company

Case Background

In 2022, Nathan Cates filed a premises liability lawsuit against Ruggles Sign Company alleging negligence in installing an aluminum cable cover around a wall-mounted television. The case was filed in the 30th Judicial Circuit Court, Kentucky. Judge Jennifer Bryant Wilcox presided over this case. [Case number: 22-2457]

Cause

On July 23, 2021, Nathan Cates, then 39, visited Harry’s American Bar with his wife and friends. They sat down for lunch, but Cates only managed a few bites before tragedy struck.

Earlier that day, an employee from Ruggles Sign Company worked in Harry’s Bar. Bob installed an aluminum shroud around an elevated television. He did not use screws to secure the shroud, which weighed 12 to 15 pounds, because Harry’s Bar wanted to avoid drilling holes. Instead, Bob applied double-sided 3M fastener tape. This was the first time he used this installation method.

The TV shroud was installed on the same day Cates came for lunch and had only been in place for a few hours. The weather was warm and humid, prompting Harry’s Bar to open its retractable roof. Consequently, heat, humidity, and blowing fans all played a role in the environment. It was believed that these factors contributed to the tape losing its adhesion. Moments later, the TV shroud fell and struck Cates on the head. Surveillance cameras recorded the entire incident.

Injury

Due to the Defendant’s negligence, Cates sustained a gash on his head and went to the hospital, where doctors stapled the wound shut. In addition to his initial injury, he reported pain radiating from the C5-6 area. That December, he underwent cervical repair surgery. Despite this procedure, he still experienced limited range of motion, numbness, and persistent headaches. Furthermore, Cates sought treatment for post-concussive syndrome.

Damages

Cates incurred medical bills totaling $82,460. Experts estimated his future medical expenses at $581,473. As a boiler service technician, he had a lucrative job but could no longer perform that heavy work. Despite this setback, he received a promotion to service manager. Consequently, his claim for lost wages amounted to $5,928. Additionally, Cates sought $3,000,000 for both past and future suffering.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Nathan Cates
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Brandon W. Smith | Jason Swinney | Danielle Blandford Morgan
    • Experts for Plaintiff(s): Dr. Camillo Castillo
  • Defendant(s): Ruggles Sign Company
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Zachary C. Harris | Denise B. Askin
    • Experts for Defendant(s): Dr. Christopher Stephens | Laura Lykins

Claims

In this lawsuit, Cates filed claims against Ruggles Sign Company. He alleged that the company acted negligently by failing to secure the TV shroud properly. The said negligence resulted in Cates’s injuries and damages.

Defense

Ruggles Sign Company admitted negligence in installing the shroud, so the case proceeded to trial solely on the issue of damages. The defense attempted to present arguments to reduce the damages awarded.

Expert Testimony

The Plaintiff’s independent medical examiner, Dr. Camillo Castillo from Frazier Rehab, confirmed Cates’ injuries. He also supported Cates’ need for significant future care, including revision surgery.

Ruggles Sign Company relied on an independent medical examination conducted by Dr. Christopher Stephens, an orthopedic specialist from Lexington. Although he acknowledged that the disc surgery was “generally” reasonable and connected to the incident, he expressed doubt that Cates would need revision surgery. He also stated that the claimed future medical expenses seemed “very inflated.” Additionally, Laura Lykins from Louisville served as a defense expert for the life care plan.

Jury Verdict

The case went to trial for several days. On March 20, 2024, the Kentucky jury returned a verdict in favor of Cates. He was awarded his claimed medical expenses of $82,460, along with an additional $430,000 for future care. His lost wages totaled $5,928.

Additionally, Cates received $500,000 for past suffering and $250,611 for future suffering. Although the future amount seemed unusual, it contributed to a total verdict of approximately $1,275,000 million. A consistent judgment was entered in favor of Cates.

Court Documents:

Available upon request