Wells v. Firestone Tire & Rubber Co.

Wells, an employee of Muskegon Firestone Auto Supply and Service Stores, was injured in the course of employment by the explosion of a tire rim manufactured by Firestone Tire & Rubber Company. At the time of the accident, Firestone owned all the capital stock of Muskegon Firestone and substantially controlled its management and operations. The Court of Appeals in the application of an "economic reality test” determined that Firestone was Wells’ employer within the meaning of the workers’ compensation act, and that therefore Wells’ products liability claim was barred by the exclusive remedy…