On January 19, 2002, the plaintiff's employer held an employee function which was structured as an all day event, and included a business meeting and various sporting events intended to promote team spirit and corporate loyalty. The event was held at an indoor recreational sports complex. During the program, which was run by one of the defendants, the plaintiff participated in a simulated Sumo wrestling match, one of the sporting events offered.

During the course of the Sumo wrestling match with a co-employee, the plaintiff sustained a significant right leg injury which consisted of a posterior knee dislocation with accompanying vascular compromise and compartment syndrome.

Prior to trial, the plaintiff was able to settle three claims against the manufacturer of the Sumo wrestling suits, the entity where the event took place and an additional co-promoter of the event for a total sum of $538,000.

At trial, the Plaintiffs contended that the defendant organizer acted negligently and carelessly by failing to appropriately monitor the Sumo wrestling event, and therefore was mainly responsible for the plaintiff's injuries.