> Additionally, does the weakness of his case and the precedent that was established from this verdict affect future cases about contractors vs employees?

A trial court ruling isn't binding authority even on the same court, much less others, and unless it is (unlikely) a published decision, it won't, IIRC, even be citable as persuasive authority in other cases.

Now, if it gets appealed and an appeals court rules on the case, things change...