The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) company is set to face trial on February 27th in the Middle District Court of Florida, stemming from a 2019 traffic accident involving a WWE employee, Gaitan Thomas, and a cyclist, Jackson Parsons. Parsons filed the lawsuit in June 2021, alleging that on July 22nd, 2019, Thomas, who was driving a car at the time, hit him while he was on his bike. According to WWE, Thomas was described as an “independent contractor engaged” by the company, a title also bestowed upon many of its talent and employees.
As a result of the accident, Parsons claimed to have suffered physical injuries, pain, and disability, as well as permanent damage to his quality of life. He further alleged that he has incurred significant past medical expenses, estimated at $171,430.38, and expects to accumulate even more in the future, totaling $314,850.00. Additionally, Parsons claimed to have lost earnings and earning capacity, both past and future, with estimated losses ranging from $75,036.00 to $100,048.00.
Parsons also sought compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and inconvenience, amounting to $76,500.00, as well as $401,500.00 for future pain and suffering. Prior to filing the lawsuit, Parsons demanded a settlement from WWE in the amount of $1,064,328.38, which was not met.
Vince McMahon (Via WWE/Twitter)
WWE employees being referred to as independent contractors may impact the company’s liability in this case. The lawsuit is just one of many reasons why WWE maintains a team of lawyers on retainer to address external issues. The outcome of the trial remains uncertain, but it is likely to be a critical chapter in WWE’s ongoing legal saga. The fact that Thomas was an independent contractor may affect the company’s accountability, as WWE often engages independent contractors as part of its business operations.
The case has been ongoing for over two years, and the parties are now heading to court to settle the dispute. The scope of the damages being sought is significant, and the ultimate outcome will depend on various factors, including the extent of Parsons’ injuries and the degree of liability attributed to Thomas and WWE. The trial is set to take place on February 27th, and the results will likely have implications for the company’s future.
WWE’s legal team will likely argue that Thomas was independently responsible for the accident and that the company is not liable for his actions. However, Parsons’ legal team may claim that WWE was negligent in its handling of Thomas, who was driving a company vehicle at the time of the accident. The outcome of the trial will depend on the court’s assessment of the evidence and the legal arguments presented by both parties.
