Betancourt v. Hertz Corp.
A mechanic employed by the Hertz Corporation was injured while repairing a truck owned by Hertz and leased to Productive Trucking Company, when the truck's operator (a Productive employee) started the engine without engaging neutral, causing the truck to move and strike the plaintiff. After receiving workers' compensation benefits, the plaintiff sued Hertz, Productive, and the operator, alleging Hertz's liability as the vehicle owner. Hertz moved for summary judgment, arguing workers' compensation was the exclusive remedy. The Supreme Court denied this motion, but the Appellate Division reversed the decision, granting Hertz's motion for summary judgment and dismissing the complaint against it, citing that the workers' compensation award served as the plaintiff's full and exclusive remedy.