Adams v. HLC Hotels, Inc.

W.H.“Dub” Arnold,

Chief Justice. This case arises from an altercation that occurred on May 8, 1994, at a Little Rock hotel. The appellants, Tina Adams, Chris Debaldo, Scott Willis, and Joseph Sappington brought an intentional-tort action for assault and battery against appellee Steven L. Womack, a security guard. They also sued Womack’s employer, separate appellee HLC Hotels, Inc., d/b/a Masters Economy Inn, for negligent hiring and supervision. Appellee Womack counterclaimed for compensatory and punitive damages. At the close of the appellants’ case-in-chief, the trial court directed a…