Lewis-Junge

**Worker Wins Right to Jury Trial in Contract Dispute** This case involved a worker named Williams who had a contract dispute with two companies: John DeLoach Enterprises, Inc. and Ouachita Enterprises, Inc. Williams claimed the companies broke their contract with him and requested a jury trial to decide the case. The trial court initially denied Williams' request for a jury trial. However, when the trial date was moved to March 19, 2024, Williams again asked for a jury. The trial court refused this second request and decided the case without a jury. Williams appealed this decision to a higher court. The appellate court ruled in Williams' favor, saying the trial court made a mistake by denying the jury request. The higher court found that when the trial was rescheduled, Williams had the right to request a jury trial again, and this request was made on time according to court rules. **What this means for workers:** This ruling reinforces that workers have important rights when taking legal action against employers. If you're entitled to a jury trial in a contract dispute, courts must respect that right when proper procedures are followed. The case will now go back for a new trial with a jury, giving Williams another chance to present his case.