Carrier's Claims Survive Dismissal of Worker's Action Against Tortfeasor

The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that an insurance company has an independent right to pursue claims against a tortfeasor that were not asserted by a worker despite summary judgment. Hyun Ju Park worked as a bartender at Kings Sports Bar & Grill in Honolulu. In April 2015, three off-duty Honolulu Police Department officers came into the bar. One officer had several drinks and unholstered his HPD-authorized firearm. The officer accidentally shot Park, who nearly died. Park received workers’ compensation benefits from Dongbu Insurance Co. Ltd., the insurance provider for the bar....