Parker Drilling Company v. Melneeta

Thomas James ONeill was fatally injured on February 9, 1979, while working for Weatherford Oil Tool Co. The fatal accident occurred on Parker Drilling Companys Rig 141 operating in Prudhoe Bay. Weatherford and Parker were both independent contractors working for ARCO. Melneeta ONeill sued Parker for injuries to herself and her two children as a result of her husbands death. The central issues in this appeal arise from the fact that Parker was not Thomas ONeills employer.