Catlett v. Indemnity Insurance Co. of North America
Audrey Catlett, the widow of William Catlett, pursued a workers' compensation claim against Lawson Electric Company and its insurer, alleging William's lung cancer was caused by prolonged asbestos exposure while working at Rock-Tenn Company. The central legal question was whether William Catlett qualified as a "loaned servant" to Rock-Tenn, which would absolve his nominal employer, Lawson Electric, from liability. The trial court initially sided with Catlett, ruling against Lawson Electric. However, the appellate court reversed this judgment, concluding that Catlett was indeed a loaned servant of Rock-Tenn based on the degree of control exercised, the nature of his work, and the implied employment relationship with Rock-Tenn, thus relieving Lawson Electric of responsibility.