Worker Can't Hold Co-Employee Civilly Liable for Trench Collapse Injuries

The Missouri Court of Appeals ruled that a worker could not proceed with a tort claim against his co-employee for his injuries from a trench cave-in. Case: Bestgen v. Haile, No. WD83865, 03/01/2022, published. Facts: In 2013, the City of Fulton hired Gene Haile Excavating Inc. to install sewer mains. The contract required the company to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations regarding trench excavations and the use of trench boxes. A trench box is a metal structure that is designed to withstand the pressures of a trench collapse. OSHA regulations require such...