The State of California has sued Salt Lake City-based Dick Simon Trucking Inc to pay for damage done by a company driver who drove his big rig into the state Capitol in January 2001.
Dick Simon Trucking driver Mike Bowers, who had a history of legal and mental problems, rammed his vehicle into the Capitol's south portico. The truck, carrying a load of canned milk, caught fire, killing Bowers and leaving the building with fire, smoke, and water damage. Repairs are still being made.
According to the lawsuit, the company was aware of Bowers' emotional problems and hired him anyway. It seeks $13.5 million in actual damages and $100 million in punitive damages from Dick Simon Trucking, a subsidiary of Simon Transportation Services Inc.
Simon officials have not made any comments about the suit.
