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Simple English definitions for legal terms
common-employment doctrine
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A quick definition of common-employment doctrine:
The common-employment doctrine, also known as the fellow-servant rule, is a legal principle that says an employer is not responsible for an employee's injuries caused by a coworker's negligence. However, this doctrine has been changed by workers' compensation laws in most places. In some cases, an employer may still be held liable if the coworker who caused the injury had power or control over the injured employee. This is called the superior servant rule or the doctrine of vice principal.
A more thorough explanation:
The common-employment doctrine, also known as the fellow-servant rule, is a legal principle that states that an employer is not responsible for the injuries caused by a negligent coworker to another employee.
For example, if an employee is injured due to the negligence of a fellow employee, the injured employee cannot sue the employer for damages under the common-employment doctrine.
However, this doctrine has been largely replaced by workers' compensation laws, which provide benefits to employees who are injured on the job, regardless of who is at fault.
In some cases, the common-employment doctrine may still apply if the injured employee and the negligent coworker were working towards the same goal or result. However, in other cases, the employer may be held liable if the negligent coworker had power or control over the injured employee.
Overall, the common-employment doctrine is a legal principle that limits an employer's liability for injuries caused by a coworker's negligence.