Associated Construction & Engineering Co. v. Workers' Compensation Appeals Board

Opinion

MOSK, J.

We must determine whether the principles of comparative negligence prescribed in Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804 [119 Cal.Rptr. 858, 532 P.2d 1226, 78 A.L.R.3d 393], are to be applied to the adjudication of employers’ subrogation rights within the workers’ compensation system. In particular, we consider whether Witt v. Jackson (1961) 57 Cal.2d 57 [17 Cal.Rptr. 369, 366 P.2d 641], and Roe v. Workmen's Comp. Appeals Bd. (1974) 12 Cal.3d 884 [117 Cal.Rptr. 683, 528 P.2d 771]—which prevent a negligent employer from obtaining any credit toward future workers’ compensation…