On Nov. 16, 2011, plaintiff Ryan Corum, 28, an HVAC worker, was working on a project to remove an old boiler and install a new one in a building in Irvine. Crane Rental Service Inc. was subsequently hired to lift and remove the subject boilers to and from the roof. However, as a crane lifted the new boiler to the roof, where Corum was working, a 300-pound metal ball at the end of the crane cable struck Corum’s left wrist, causing multiple . Corum sued Crane Rental Services Inc., alleging that the defendant was liable for the negligence of its employees, the crane operator and the radio operator. Thus, Corum claimed Crane Rental Services was negligent in causing him to get struck and injured by the subject crane ball. Crane Rental Services denied liability, claiming that the accident was caused by Corum’s own conduct. Specifically, it claimed that Corum inappropriately placed his hand into a position of danger and that the plaintiff’s employer negligently trained and/or supervised Corum., Corum suffered a deep laceration to his left, dominant wrist, resulting in tears of his extensor carpi ulnaris tendon and triangular fibrocartilage complex. He also suffered a fracture of the left wrist’s ulnar styloid bone. In addition, he claimed he aggravated a prior fracture to his left wrist’s scaphoid bone. Corum was subsequently taken from the scene of the accident by ambulance and brought to an emergency room. He ultimately underwent surgery to repair the torn cartilage and further surgery to have a ganglion cyst removed. He then underwent two courses of physical therapy following the respective surgeries and stopped treating in November 2012. Corum claimed he still experiences pain and discomfort in his left wrist. He alleged that as a result, he requires additional surgery to insert pins for a nonunion of his scaphoid bone, as well as subsequent surgery to remove the pins. Corum also claimed he could not return to work in the HVAC industry due to his impaired wrist, which prevents him from lifting an item more than 25 pounds and climbing ladders. He further claimed he is prohibited from motocross riding, which was his biggest hobby, as well as from surfing and mountain biking. Thus, Corum sought recovery of $14,405.93 in past medical costs, which were stipulated to. In addition, plaintiff’s counsel asked the jury to award Corum $35,175 to $46,900 in future medical costs, $73,779 in past lost earnings, $20,604 in future lost earnings, $492,761 in loss of earning capacity, $56,000 in damages for past pain and suffering, and $331,375 in damages for future pain and suffering. Defense counsel disputed Corum’s claim of lost earnings, arguing that Corum was able to continue working in HVAC. Counsel also argued that Corum’s scaphoid injury was a pre-existing injury that was not causally related to the subject accident.