Vehicle Owners Can Be Liable for Death Despite Exclusivity Protection

The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled that the owners of a vehicle could be held vicariously liable for a worker’s death even though their deemed agent, the driver, was immune from liability under the Workers’ Compensation Act. Case: Niebuhr v. Sieberg, No. A24-0699, 01/13/2025, published. Facts: Jason Niebuhr was the founder and sole owner of Wells Computer and Electronics Inc. Wells employed an accountant and part-time, seasonal employees to assist Niebuhr, who was blind. Wells had workers’ compensation insurance for its employees, but Niebuhr opted out of coverage fo...