Court Overturns Verdict for Worker, Finding Defendant Immune as Statutory Employer

The Pennsylvania Superior Court relieved a general contractor of liability for a $5,6 million jury verdict in favor of an injured worker, finding the contractor was the worker’s statutory employer. The Norwood Public Library entered into a contract with McCarthy Construction Inc. to perform work at the library. McCarthy then subcontracted with RRR Contractors Inc. to perform roofing work. Jason Yoder worked for RRR. He suffered severe injuries after he fell through an unmarked and uncovered hole in the roof, landing on the ground 20 feet below. Yoder received workers’ ...