Final answer:
Molly's consideration to file a negligence lawsuit against her employer due to a work-related injury would involve understanding the employer's legal duty for a safe workplace, the role of workman's compensation insurance, and the potential for seeking damages if negligence is proven.
Step-by-step explanation:
Molly is contemplating a negligence lawsuit against her employer due to a work-related accident. In such a legal context, a plaintiff would need to establish that the employer had a duty to maintain a safe work environment, breached that duty, and caused harm due to that breach.
Workman's compensation insurance is a key aspect here, as employers are mandated to contribute a portion of salaries into state-run funds that assist workers injured on the job. However, if the employer's negligence is proven, the employee might opt for litigation to seek damages.
In the event of workplace accidents, the Denial of Injury defense may be utilized by the defense, a psychological technique where the severity of the incident is downplayed. More recent legislation supports employees' rights to file confidential complaints about workplace hazards or related illnesses, protecting their health and safety. Employers who failed to address verified safety concerns may face heavy fines from the government.
Historically, cutting corners in safety has led to significant consequences for companies, as exemplified by the Firestone/Ford tire controversy, which cost lives and resulted in numerous lawsuits, a congressional investigation, and a massive financial loss for both companies.