Define: Borrowed Servant

Borrowed Servant
Borrowed Servant
Quick Summary of Borrowed Servant

A borrowed servant, also known as a loaned employee or special employee, is an individual who temporarily works for another employer. The borrowing employer has authority over the employee’s tasks and is accountable for their conduct.

Full Definition Of Borrowed Servant

A borrowed servant is an employee whose services are temporarily lent to another employer, allowing that employer to assume control over the employee’s work for a short period of time with the employee’s consent. The borrowing employer is responsible for the actions of the borrowed servant under the doctrine of respondeat superior. For example, if a construction worker is hired by a subcontractor but is then lent to the general contractor for a specific project, they become a borrowed servant of the general contractor for the duration of that project. If the worker causes damage or injury during that time, the general contractor is responsible for any liability. Similarly, a nurse employed by a staffing agency may be lent to a hospital for a specific shift, making the nurse a borrowed servant of the hospital during that time and holding the hospital responsible for any liability.

Borrowed Servant FAQ'S

A borrowed servant refers to a situation where an employee is temporarily loaned or borrowed by another employer to perform work under their control and direction.

The concept of borrowed servant can impact liability because it determines who is responsible for the actions and behavior of the employee during the borrowed period. The borrowing employer may assume liability for the employee’s actions, rather than the employee’s original employer.

In most cases, a borrowed servant cannot sue their borrowing employer for workplace injuries. Instead, they would typically file a workers’ compensation claim with their original employer, who would then handle the legal aspects of the claim.

Yes, a borrowed servant can be held liable for their actions while working for the borrowing employer. They are expected to adhere to the borrowing employer’s instructions and policies, and if they act negligently or cause harm, they may be held personally responsible.

Generally, a borrowed servant is expected to follow the instructions and perform the tasks assigned by the borrowing employer. However, if the tasks assigned are illegal, dangerous, or go against their professional code of conduct, they may have grounds to refuse.

No, a borrowed servant cannot typically claim employment benefits from the borrowing employer. They remain an employee of their original employer and are entitled to the benefits provided by that employer.

A borrowed servant cannot unilaterally terminate their employment with the borrowing employer. Their employment relationship remains with their original employer, and any decisions regarding termination would need to be made by that employer.

In most cases, a borrowed servant cannot file a lawsuit against the borrowing employer for wrongful termination. Their employment relationship is with their original employer, and any disputes or claims related to termination would need to be addressed with that employer.

Yes, a borrowed servant can be held liable for breaching confidentiality agreements with the borrowing employer. They are expected to adhere to any confidentiality obligations imposed by the borrowing employer during the borrowed period.

In general, a borrowed servant cannot claim unemployment benefits if their assignment with the borrowing employer ends. They would need to consult with their original employer to determine their eligibility for unemployment benefits based on their employment status with that employer.

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Disclaimer

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 16th April 2024.

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