Under what circumstance can an employee sue their employer for a work-related injury in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, an employee can sue their employer for a work-related injury primarily in cases of gross negligence. This legal principle allows employees to seek damages through a lawsuit when the employer's actions go beyond mere negligence and reach a level of reckless disregard for the safety of employees. Gross negligence indicates a serious lack of attention to the responsibilities of keeping employees safe, which provides a basis for a lawsuit outside of the traditional workers' compensation system.

Workers' compensation laws are designed to provide a no-fault system for employees to receive benefits for work-related injuries without having to prove fault. However, when an employer acts with gross negligence, it undermines the intent behind protecting employee safety and responsibilities, allowing employees the right to pursue legal action. This framework encourages employers to maintain safe working environments and adhere to safety protocols.

Other responses, while potentially relevant to employee safety and injury protocol, do not meet the legal criteria for suing an employer under Hawaii law. For instance, work-related injuries covered under workers' compensation are typically not grounds for a lawsuit, and minor injuries do not generally warrant corrective legal actions. Similarly, the context of safety training sessions doesn't inherently provide grounds for an employee to sue unless gross negligence is demonstrated during those sessions.