Gonzalez v. O. & G. Indus., Inc.

Defendant served as the general contractor for the construction of a gas fired power plant and implemented a contractor controlled insurance program (CCIP) to centralize the purchasing of workers’ compensation insurance for the project. Plaintiffs, employees of Defendant’s subcontractors, were injured at an explosion that occurred at the power plant construction site. Plaintiffs received workers’ compensation benefits under the CCIP. Plaintiffs subsequently brought this action against Defendant under Conn. Gen. Stat. 31-293(a), asserting negligence and strict liability claims. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of Defendant, concluding that Defendant “paid” workers’ compensation benefits to Plaintiffs, thus entitling it to “principal employer” immunity. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding (1) the trial court erred in interpreting the term “paid compensation benefits” in section 31-291; but (2) even under the proper construction of section 31-291, no genuine issue of material fact exists as to whether Defendant paid compensation benefits to Plaintiffs. View "Gonzalez v. O. & G. Indus., Inc." on Justia Law