Opinion ID: 1303924
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Propriety of Directing a Verdict on Independent Contractor Status.

Text: An independent contractor must allege and prove that it was a duly licensed contractor in order to maintain an action for compensation under Section 60-13-30. See Campbell v. Smith, 68 N.M. at 378, 362 P.2d at 526. An employee, however, need not comply with the statute. See Latta v. Harvey, 67 N.M. at 76, 352 P.2d at 651. In our previous decision in this case, we held that a genuine issue of material fact existed as to whether Triple B performed work at the Hidalgo smelter facility in the capacity of an independent contractor or an employee of Brown & Root, and remanded to the district court for the taking of evidence. At the end of plaintiff's case, the court ruled that reasonable minds could not differ as to the fact that Triple B was an independent contractor and not an employee of Brown & Root at all material times, and directed a verdict in favor of Brown & Root. Alleging error on appeal, Triple B points to evidence in the record from which, it asserts, reasonable minds could determine that Triple B was an employee. We often have held that the principal test for finding an employer-employee relationship is whether, aside from mere suggestions and the coordination of a larger undertaking, the employer has the right to exercise control over not only the results to be obtained but also the manner in which the details of the work are to be accomplished. See Campbell v. Smith, 68 N.M. at 377-78, 362 P.2d at 525-26; see also Latta v. Harvey, 67 N.M. at 75, 352 P.2d at 651; cf. Shipman v. Macco Corp., 74 N.M. 174, 177, 392 P.2d 9, 11 (1964) (workmen's compensation case). In reviewing a judgment entered pursuant to a directed verdict, this Court is not authorized to consider only the evidence most favorable to the party resisting the motion, but must view all the evidence and all reasonable inferences decucible therefrom in the light most favorable to the party resisting the motion. Skyhook Corp. v. Jasper, 90 N.M. 143, 146, 560 P.2d 934, 937 (1977). Triple B draws our attention to Brown & Root's detailed specifications for the application of insulation material to piping and equipment; to Brown & Root's issuance of written releases authorizing Triple B to work on particular pieces of equipment; to Brown & Root's designation of holidays for the Hidalgo smelter facility; and to Brown & Root's authority to direct out of scope work. Standing alone, this evidence perhaps would present a question for the jury whether Brown & Root merely specified the desired results and coordinated work at the Hidalgo facility or whether Brown & Root controlled the manner in which Triple B did its work. In light of all the evidence concerning Triple B's relationship with Brown & Root, however, we agree with the district court that reasonable minds could not differ in concluding that Triple B was an independent contractor. The district court therefore did not err in granting Brown and Root's motion to direct a verdict on this issue of fact.