762 F. Supp. 2d 735
D.N.J.2011Background
- IMTT-Bayonne and Jeffrey Jackson challenge negligence claims; Langer Transport Corp. liable to transfer Versene 100 XL; Versene required stainless steel but was loaded into an aluminum trailer; transfer plan in Buffalo/Penbrook, NY occurred at night with limited equipment; Flint injured during top-port transfer while attempting to connect hoses; workers’ compensation issues and employer/independent contractor status are raised; court grants IMTT and Jackson summary judgments, mootness for Langer on cross-claims.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proximate cause of Flint’s injuries | Flint argues IMTT’s handling caused foreseeable harm. | IMTT’s negligence was not the proximate cause given intervening events. | Proximate cause not established; superseding/intervening causes break chain. |
| Rescue doctrine applicability | Flint acted as a rescuer and should recover. | No imminent peril; rescue doctrine inapplicable. | Rescue doctrine inapplicable. |
| Inherently dangerous activity exception | IMTT engaged in inherently dangerous activity requiring heightened care. | Exception not pled and not applicable; no abnormally dangerous activity here. | Inherently dangerous activity exception not applicable. |
| Jackson/Flint workers’ compensation and fellow-servant bar | Independent contractor status prevents exclusivity bar. | Flint received workers’ compensation; exclusivity bars common-law claims against fellow employees. | Flint’s workers’ compensation benefits render fellow-servant bar applicable; Flint’s claim barred. |
Key Cases Cited
- Palsgraf v. Long Island R.R. Co., 248 N.Y. 339, 162 N.E. 99 (N.Y. 1928) (proximate cause; foreseeability limits liability)
- Lynch v. Scheininger, 162 N.J. 209, 744 A.2d 113 (N.J. 2000) (intervening/superseding causes; foreseeability standard)
- Kristiansen v. Morgan, 153 N.J. 298, 708 A.2d 1173 (N.J. 1998) (workers’ compensation exclusivity; employee vs independent contractor factors)
- Barone v. Harra, 77 N.J. 276, 390 A.2d 571 (N.J. 1978) (exclusivity of workers’ compensation for employee injuries; fellow-employee liability limitations)
- Caicco v. Toto Brothers, Inc., 62 N.J. 305, 301 A.2d 143 (N.J. 1973) (employee/independent contractor status and control factors)