Hawn v. Bajco 100, LLC

**Worker's Injury Lawsuit Against University Dismissed Under Workers' Comp Rules** An employee of the University of California was injured in a bicycle accident while on university property. She sued the university for negligence and unsafe conditions, seeking damages beyond what workers' compensation would provide. The court ruled against the employee and dismissed her lawsuit. The judges determined that her injury fell under workers' compensation laws, which prevent employees from suing their employers for workplace injuries. Even though this was a bicycle accident rather than a typical work injury, the court found that because it happened on university premises during work-related activities, it must be handled through the workers' compensation system only. This ruling matters because it shows the limits of when workers can sue their employers directly. Workers' compensation laws generally require employees to use that system for workplace injuries, even if they believe their employer was negligent. While workers' comp provides guaranteed benefits regardless of fault, it typically offers less money than a successful lawsuit might. Workers should understand that most on-the-job injuries, even unusual ones like bicycle accidents, will likely be restricted to workers' compensation claims rather than personal injury lawsuits against their employer.