Manzella v. Select Rehabilitation LLC

**Worker Wins $255,000 Against Employer for Faulty Work** Dorothy Biela sued her former employer, Carney Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, Inc., claiming the company was negligent and broke its contract when it improperly installed an outdoor oil tank. Biela argued that the faulty installation caused her significant damages. A jury sided with Biela and awarded her $255,000 in damages. The jury found that Carney Plumbing had indeed been negligent in how it performed the work and had also breached its contract obligations. When Carney Plumbing appealed the decision to a higher court, the appellate court upheld the original ruling, confirming that Biela deserved the full damage award. This case matters for workers because it shows that employees can successfully hold their employers accountable when poor workmanship causes harm. Workers who suffer damages due to their employer's negligent work or contract violations have legal options to seek compensation. The substantial damage award also demonstrates that courts take these workplace negligence claims seriously and will award meaningful compensation when employers fail to meet their professional obligations.