[Triple Word Score]

A weirdo acting outside his authority did something so aberrant no organization could possibly have predicted or prevented it. Somehow, this company was supposed to have been omniscient and omnipotent in its control over this particular employee.

This is the standard that makes 9/11 "Bush's fault."

I fail to see how this family was harmed by the defendant. Of course, there's a lawyer prepared to argue otherwise and a judge/jury prepared to buy the argument.

[HairOfTheDog]

Somehow, this company was supposed to have been omniscient and omnipotent in its control over this particular employee.

I agree with you wholeheartedly.

I would go on to say we are long overdue in re-thinking tort law to eliminate huge money damage awards for problems that money can't solve. Heartbreak is not fixed with money....

[dware]

A weirdo acting outside his authority did something so aberrant no organization could possibly have predicted or prevented it. Somehow, this company was supposed to have been omniscient and omnipotent in its control over this particular employee.

It's premise liability. If the plaintiff(s) can show that the defendant had knowledge that this was happening or could happen, but failed to take the appropriate measures to keep it from happening, the plaintiff(s) may come out ahead.

Don't consider this legal advice - just someone who works in the field.