Varela v. American Petrofina Co.

DIES, Chief Justice.

Plaintiff below, Robert 0. Varela, was a carpenter for Hydrocarbon Construction Co. (hereafter “Hydrocarbon”) which was constructing a project for American Petrofina (hereafter “Petrofina”). Plaintiff allegedly slipped and fell, sustaining injuries. Plaintiff settled with Hydrocarbon’s worker’s insurance carrier for $18,000 and medical, and sued Petrofina, defendant below, for his alleged injuries. Defendant filed a third-party action against Hydrocarbon seeking contribution and indemnity. Issues submitted to the jury determined defendant’s negligence at 43 percent,…