Opinion ID: 545485
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Corporate Officer's Immunity

Text: 7 Appellants also argue that corporate officers Charles H. Kupsky and Kenneth W. Larsen, each of whom served as president of Labs, were immune from corporate tort liability. Appellants allege that the workers' compensation immunity extends to an insured employer's corporate officers if they are sued for breach of the employer's nondelegable duty of providing its employees with a safe work-place. 8 After the jury found that Kupsky and Larsen were personally responsible for, or directly involved with providing employees a safe work environment and that they were negligent in performing this duty, the district court entered judgment against these officers. We agree that the district court applied the proper analysis to determine the corporate officers' liability. 9 In Escude Cruz v. Ortho Pharmaceutical Corp., 619 F.2d 902 (1st Cir.1980), we clearly stated that a determination of the liability of corporate officers is a function of tort law and has nothing to do with employer immunity under workmen's compensation. Id. at 907. Thus, the issue to be determined is whether the individuals in question were personally involved or responsible for the injuries. See also Santiago v. Becton Dickinson, 571 F.Supp. 904 (D.P.R.1983). Because reasonable minds could differ on the extent of the officers participation or negligence, this question is one that should be left to the trier of fact. Cf. Springer v. Seaman, 821 F.2d 871, 876 (1st Cir.1987) (if reasonable persons might differ, the legal cause issue is determined by the factfinder.) (quoting Leboeuf v. Ramsey, 503 F.Supp. 747, 758 (D.Mass.1980), rev'd on other grounds, Costa v. Markey, 677 F.2d 158 (1st Cir.1982)). 10 In reviewing the denial of a judgment notwithstanding the verdict, this court will examine whether there is a reasonable basis in the record to support the jury's verdict. Borras v. Sea Land Service, 586 F.2d 881, 885 (1st Cir.1978). The transcripts show that these officers were personally involved in making safety matter decisions. Upon review of the record, there is sufficient evidence to support a finding that Kupsky and Larsen were personally involved, hence we agree with the district court's conclusion.