In a workers' compensation case, what led to the conclusion about the negligence instruction being an error?

In a workers' compensation case, the conclusion that the negligence instruction constituted an error is primarily based on the impact it had on the worker's substantial rights. Substantial rights refer to the legal rights that affect the outcome of a case; if these rights are compromised, it can lead to a significant injustice or unfairness in the proceedings. In this context, the jury may have been improperly guided in their understanding of negligence, which could distort their decision-making process, potentially resulting in an unjust outcome.

This means that if the jury was instructed on negligence when it was not applicable or appropriate in the context of workers' compensation claims, it could have led to confusion and a misinterpretation of the law surrounding their duties and responsibilities. Thus, recognizing that the instruction impacted the worker's ability to receive a fair consideration of their claim is crucial in identifying the error in the trial process. The focus on substantial rights emphasizes the importance of correct jury instructions and how they can fundamentally influence the integrity of a legal decision.