Knowledge of Worker's Injury Doesn't Expose Employer to Vicarious Liability

A California appellate court ruled that an employer's knowledge of an employee's compensable injury was not enough to impose tort liability for a fatal car accident. Case: Bingener v. City of Los Angeles, No. B291112, filed 12/16/2019, published 01/09/2020. Facts: Kim Rushton worked for the City of Los Angeles as a chemist at the Hyperion Treatment Plant. He rarely left the plant on work-related travel. Rushton’s job did not require him to work in the field and his employer did not require him to use his car. Rushton was not compensated for his commute time. Rushton suffered ...