By: WISCONSIN LAW JOURNAL STAFF//July 8, 2014//
By: WISCONSIN LAW JOURNAL STAFF//July 8, 2014//
Wisconsin Court of Appeals
Civil
Employment – workers’ compensation — exclusive remedy provision
Dean Hurt and Hurt’s Recycling, LLC (collectively, Hurt) appeal a summary judgment dismissing their negligence claims against Josh Cole, Joel Hegna, their businesses, and their insurers. The circuit court dismissed Hurt’s negligence claims after concluding the claims were barred by the Worker’s Compensation Act’s exclusive remedy provision, Wis. Stat. § 102.03(2). On appeal, Hurt argues § 102.03(2) cannot bar his claims because the exclusive remedy provision applies only when conditions exist for an employer’s liability and the conditions do not exist in this case. He also argues Cole and Hegna are not employees. We conclude the conditions for employer liability are satisfied and Cole and Hegna are employees. Accordingly, we conclude the negligence claims are barred because of Cole’s and Hegna’s co-employee immunity. We therefore affirm the grant of summary judgment. Not recommended for publication in the official reports.
2013AP2339 Hurt et al. v. Cole et al.
Dist III, Barron County, Bitney, J., Mangerson, J.
Attorneys: For Appellant: Sempf, Timothy T., Amery; Whitley, Jason W., Amery; For Respondent: Pelish, James A., Rice Lake; Thrasher, Joe, Rice Lake