A truck driver who alleged his employer failed to accommodate his shoulder injury received a $150,000 settlement. Charles Hilton, who is in his 50s, said he injured his right shoulder by repeatedly forcing open trailer doors that had become stuck due to poor maintenance. His employer, Central Freight Lines, reassigned him to what it described as "light duties" due to his injury. Hilton said the duties aggravated his injury, and he was eventually diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff, which required surgery. When he returned to work, he was again assigned the same "light duties." Fearing it would reinjure his shoulder, Hilton refused to do the work and was subsequently terminated. He sued Central Freight, alleging its negligence caused his injuries. Central Freight denied the allegations and also argued that Hilton's duties were appropriate for his condition. The parties agreed to the settlement on the third day of trial.
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