Black v. Cabot Petroleum Corp.

EBEL, Circuit Judge.

This diversity case concerns the application of Colorado’s workers’ compensation statute. The principal issue is whether a general contractor whose subcontractor carries adequate workers’ compensation insurance is immune from suit by the subcontractor’s injured employee.

The facts necessary for resolving this appeal are not in dispute. Plaintiffs are the spouse and children of Glen L. Black (“Black”), a welder killed in an oil field accident. Defendant Cabot Petroleum Corporation (“Cabot”) is an oil drilling company that was responsible for plugging and capping the oil well…