Hopper v. Austin

| plaintiffs, Guindolyn and Dale Hopper (“the Hoppers”), sued the defendant, Ven-ator Contracting Group, L.L.C. (“Venator”), under the thedry of vicarious liability for damages stemming from an automobile accident. The Hoppers alleged that Wayne Austin (“Austin”) was a Venator employee in the course and scope of his employment when he caused the accident that injured Mrs. Hopper. The trial court granted a summary judgment in favor of Venator upon concluding that, even if Austin was a 'Venator employee, he was not in the course and scope of his employment at the time of the accident. The…