Hcbeck, Ltd., Petitioner v. Charles Rice, Respondent

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court held that HCBeck, as a general contractor, "provides" workers’ compensation insurance under the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act because its contract incorporated an owner‑controlled insurance program and obligates HCBeck to secure alternate coverage if the OCIP terminates, thereby qualifying HCBeck as a statutory employer entitled to the exclusive remedy defense. The Court reversed the Court of Appeals and entered judgment for HCBeck. Justice Johnson, joined by Justice Medina, dissented, arguing that HCBeck did not actually provide insurance and should not receive statutory immunity.