Sugura v. McLaughlin

This is an action for damage arising out of personal injuries suffered by plaintiff Michael Sugura and the resulting loss of consortium by his wife, plaintiff Ida May Sugura. Plaintiff is an employe of the gas company. He was injured by defendant’s negligent operation of a backhoe while performing services for Northwest Natural Gas Company. The issue is whether defendant is an independent contractor, as the company nominally designated him, or an employe of the company and thereby exempt from this action under the Workers’ Compensation Law. See ORS 656.018(3). The trial court granted…