Abuso v. Mack Trucks, Inc.
Scott P. Abuso, an employee of Tee’s Recycling (a business formed by Mr. T Carting), was injured when he fell from and was hit by a garbage truck owned by Thomas Toscano, a partner in Mr. T Carting. After accepting Workers’ Compensation benefits through Tee’s Recycling, Abuso commenced an action against Joseph Russo (the truck driver and employee of Mr. T Carting) and the Toscano partners (doing business as Mr. T Carting) to recover damages. The defendants moved for summary judgment, arguing that the exclusive remedy provision of Workers’ Compensation Law § 29 (6) precluded recovery. The Supreme Court granted their motion, finding a special employment relationship existed between Abuso and Mr. T Carting. The appellate court affirmed the decision, agreeing that the evidence strongly supported the existence of a special employment relationship, making it a matter of law.