Lafont v. Chevron, U.S.A., Inc.

GONZALES, Judge.

This is a suit in tort by the employee of an independent contractor against another independent contractor.

Originally, plaintiff, Irvin Lafont, sued both his contractor’s (Irvin Lafont Contractors, Inc.) principal, Chevron U.S.A. Inc. (“Chevron”), and another independent contractor, Danos & Curóle Marine Contractors, Inc. (“Danos”). After trial on the merits, the trial court found plaintiff had no right of action sua sponte, concluding that plaintiff was a statutory employee and dismissing the case as to both defendants. Prior to a decision on appeal, plaintiff settled with…