Opinion ID: 1653163
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: need for a new exception

Text: Before destroying the employer-independent contractor relationship under the repossession statute or any other, we should consider whether Texas law requires such a change. A valid reason for change is lack of a remedy for injured parties. Stated in the context of this case: Do plaintiffs injured by wrongful repossessions already have a means of reaching the employers of independent contractors? They do. Plaintiffs in wrongful repossession cases may reach beyond the independent contractor to the employer through one of many previously-recognized exceptions to the rule of employer non-liability. The exception which first comes to mind in these cases is the negligent hiring exception. See, e.g., Smith v. Baptist Memorial Hosp. System, 720 S.W.2d 618 (Tex.App. 1986). Under this exception, the plaintiff has a cause of action for negligence in hiring the repossessor. Id. The exception has long provided plaintiffs like Mrs. Sanchez the means to reach employers who have carelessly hired their contractors. See generally Restatement (Second) Torts § 411 (1965) [hereinafter Restatement].