Goodrum v. Asplundh Tree Expert Co.

RENDLEÑ, Judge.

Benjamin Goodrum, employed by respondent Asplundh Tree Expert Company as a groundsman, was trimming trees near overhead power lines on July 10,1986. Before or during this work, Goodrum’s foreman, Patrick Lamberton, gave him a substance known as “white cross,” and after ingesting that substance Goodrum suffered sunstroke, cardio-respiratory arrest and acute renal failure, resulting in death twenty days later.

Plaintiffs, Goodrum’s parents, brought this suit against Asplundh and Lamberton on July 10, 1989, alleging both negligence and intentional tort; in response, Asplundh moved…