collateral negligence doctrine
collateral-negligence doctrine. The rule holding that one who engages an independent contractor is not liable for physical harm that the contractor causes if (1) the contractor’s negligence consists solely of the improper manner in which the contractor’s work is performed, (2) the risk of harm created is not normal to the work, and (3) the employer had no reason to contemplate the contractor’s negligence when the contract was made. [Cases: Master and Servant 315, 319. C.J.S. Employer–Employee Relationship §§ 231–236, 239–240, 242, 244–246, 248, 251–252, 254–255.]
