What is the name of the doctrine that prevents an employer from being liable for injuries caused by one employee to another during the same enterprise?

The doctrine that prevents an employer from being liable for injuries caused by one employee to another during the same enterprise is known as the fellow-servant rule. This legal principle states that if two employees are working for the same employer and one employee injures another while performing their job duties, the employer typically cannot be held responsible for the actions of the employee who caused the injury.

The rationale behind this rule is based on the idea that employees assume certain risks when they take on a job, including the possibility of being injured by the actions of their co-workers. Consequently, it places the onus on employees to be aware of each other's actions and behaviors in the workplace, as well as to take precautions against potential injuries caused by their fellow employees.

This rule has historical significance in labor law and has been a subject of various legal reforms over time, particularly with the advent of worker's compensation laws which provide a different mechanism for addressing workplace injuries regardless of fault. Such laws aim to simplify and expedite compensation for injured workers, moving away from reliance on doctrines like the fellow-servant rule that may leave workers without recourse.

By understanding the fellow-servant rule, it becomes clear how liability is approached within the context of employment relationships and the shared risks inherent in collaborative