Thornton v. Guthrie County Rural Electric Cooperative Ass'n

HARRIS, Justice.

Who must bear the burden of damages for a severely injured construction worker: his employer, an electrical construction contractor or the utility for which the work was being performed? The trial court fixed responsibility with the utility. We think the responsibility must rest with the construction company.

Plaintiff Daniel Thornton was employed as a construction laborer by Barhite & Larsen, Inc. (B & L). B & L is an electrical contractor which specializes in installing underground electric systems. Defendant Guthrie County Rural Electric Cooperative Association (the co-op)…