What is a Borrowed Employee? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

A borrowed employee is an individual who is temporarily assigned by their original employer to work for another employer. This arrangement allows the second employer to be recognized as the borrowed employee's employer for purposes of workers' compensation laws. For this to be valid, the second employer must have control over the employee's work, and the employee must not be under the control of the original employer. Additionally, the employee must agree to this arrangement.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A manufacturing company temporarily assigns one of its workers to a construction site to help with a project. The construction company oversees the worker's tasks, making it a borrowed employee situation.

Example 2: An IT firm loans a software developer to a partner company for a special project, where the partner company directs the developer's work. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Key Differences
California Strict guidelines on control and consent requirements.
Texas More flexible definitions regarding employer control.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Differences
Leased Employee An employee who is contracted through a staffing agency. Leased employees are typically under the agency's control, unlike borrowed employees.
Independent Contractor A self-employed individual providing services to another party. Independent contractors work independently and are not considered employees.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you find yourself in a borrowed employee situation, it's essential to ensure that all parties understand their rights and responsibilities. Make sure to document the arrangement, including the consent of the employee and the control exercised by the second employer. Consider using legal templates from US Legal Forms to create necessary agreements. If the situation is complex or unclear, consulting a legal professional is advisable.

Quick facts

  • Definition: An employee temporarily assigned to another employer.
  • Key Requirement: The second employer must exercise control over the employee.
  • Consent: The employee must agree to the arrangement.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

If the second employer does not exercise control, the employee remains under the original employer's jurisdiction.